locus classicus

USAGE SUMMARY

"locus classicus" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a source that establishes or is often referred to in order to set a precedent. For example, "The locus classicus of this school of thought is the philosopher's essay on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The movie "When Harry Met Sally... ...... provides the locus classicus.

The New York Times

Here the locus classicus is Naomi Orestes and Erik Conwayy's Merchants of Doubt.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has become a standard text, a locus classicus: but not with the revolutionary left, exactly.

The Guardian - Film

Saval ties his essay to "Bartleby, the Scrivener," Herman Melville's locus classicus of clerical work.

The New Yorker

The Maysles' movie Salesman was to be a locus classicus in this field, freighted with implied irony and tragedy.

The Guardian - Film

Mostly, as in London, this reality is tucked away under layers of propaganda, although the locus classicus remains Montreal 1976.

The Guardian - Sport

Cuba, the locus classicus of Third-World revolt, offered a good stage.

Independent

The O.E.D. calls such a citation "the locus classicus for this modern sense though occasional earlier uses are recorded".

The New York Times - Magazine

And, of course, at the centre of the work, we have the deathless Trimalchio, whose famous feast remains, and always will remain, the locus classicus of tasteless ostentation.

The Guardian - Books

Alfred Hitchcock, Nicholas Ray, John Cassavetes, Otto Preminger are justly considered consummate artists; "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" is a locus classicus of the political cinema.

The New Yorker

Although elements of the theory can be found in Aristotle's Politics, the locus classicus is Book VI of Polybius's Histories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "locus classicus", ensure the reference is genuinely foundational and widely recognized in its field to avoid misapplication.

Common error

Avoid using "locus classicus" to describe merely significant examples; reserve it for sources that are truly seminal and have shaped discourse in a discipline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "locus classicus" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a source that is considered the most authoritative or definitive on a particular topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable phrase. Examples in Ludwig show its use in referring to seminal texts and events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "locus classicus" is a Latin phrase used in English to denote a definitive or authoritative source on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Its function is to signal the importance of a source as foundational or seminal. The phrase's formality restricts its use to more scholarly or professional settings. While there are alternatives like "classic example" or "definitive example", "locus classicus" maintains a distinct connotation of established authority and widespread recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

classic example

Focuses on the example being representative, rather than a specific source.

definitive example

Emphasizes the conclusiveness and authority of the example.

archetypal instance

Highlights the pattern-setting nature of the instance, implying it serves as a model.

paradigmatic case

Stresses that the case exemplifies a wider principle or theory.

quintessential model

Implies the example is the purest or most representative of its kind.

standard reference

Highlights the role of the example as a benchmark for comparison.

illustrative case

Focuses on the example's ability to clarify or explain a concept.

prime illustration

Suggests the example is among the best available to demonstrate a point.

key precedent

Emphasizes the value of the example to establish legal or procedural norms.

original source

Points to the first known or most influential source of an idea or practice.

FAQs

How to use "locus classicus" in a sentence?

Use "locus classicus" to refer to a definitive or authoritative passage or source on a particular topic. For instance, "Plato's Republic is often considered the "locus classicus" for discussions on justice".

What does "locus classicus" mean?

"Locus classicus" refers to a place or passage that serves as the most authoritative or standard example of something. It often refers to a piece of writing or a specific location that is central to understanding a concept or field.

Which is correct, "locus classicus" or "classical locus"?

"Locus classicus" is the correct and established Latin term. "Classical locus" is not a standard phrase and should be avoided.

What can I say instead of "locus classicus"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "classic example", "definitive example", or "archetypal instance". These phrases convey the sense of a standard or foundational source.