common class

[ˈkɒmən klɑːs]
nounpl: common classes
classe comum
1. The ordinary or working class; people of average or modest social and economic status
He came from the common class but became a successful entrepreneur.
Ele veio da classe comum, mas se tornou um empresário bem-sucedido.
2. In education, a standard classroom or course for students of typical ability level
Most students attend the common class before advanced placement.
A maioria dos alunos frequenta a classe comum antes do programa avançado.
3. A taxonomic grouping in biology; a major category of organisms
Mammals and birds belong to different classes.
Mamíferos e aves pertencem a classes diferentes.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'common class' refers to ordinary working people or middle/lower-middle socioeconomic groups. In Brazil, this term carries social implications regarding inequality and class mobility. In educational settings, it distinguishes standard curriculum from advanced or honors programs.
NYC Slang
regular folks, everyday people, working stiffs
Synonyms / Sinônimos
working classordinary classmiddle classlower classgeneral class
Antonyms / Antônimos
upper classelite classaristocratic classprivileged class

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
classe comum
Standard usage referring to ordinary social class
Rio de Janeiro
classe comum
Common usage in both social and educational contexts
São Paulo
classe média-baixa
Sometimes used to refer to lower-middle class
Portugal
classe comum
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

social classsocioeconomic statusworking peopleaverage persontaxonomy

Related Idioms & Phrases

common as dirt
of the common sort
rise above one's class
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