Definition

To arrange or classify things into different groups based on shared characteristics or qualities.

Example

We need to categorise the books by genre to make them easier to find.

Tense Forms

Conversation

How do you usually categorise your books at home?

I mostly sort them by genre, like fiction and non-fiction.

That makes sense! I think I should categorise mine better, too.

Yeah, it really helps when you’re looking for something specific.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Categorise → It is formed from "cata-" (from Greek "kata", meaning down or according to) and "-goria" (from Greek "agoreuein", meaning to speak or to declare). The word means to arrange or classify according to specific criteria or categories.

Memory Tip

Think of 'according to' ('cata-') and 'speaking' ('goria') to remember that to categorise means to arrange things based on specific criteria.

Visually Confused Words