Definition

Relating to the act of organizing or categorizing things into groups based on shared characteristics.

Example

The classificatory system helps scientists organize species into different categories.

Conversation

I read an interesting article about classificatory systems in biology.

Oh really? What did it say?

It explained how these systems help scientists categorize different species.

That sounds useful! I love learning about how we organize information.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Classificatory → It is formed from "classis" (from Latin, meaning a class or group) and "-ficatory" (from Latin "facere", meaning to make or do). The word "classificatory" refers to the act of making or creating classes or categories.

Memory Tip

Think of 'class' as a group and '-ficatory' as making — so classificatory means making groups or categories.

Visually Confused Words