Definition

A word or morpheme used in some languages to indicate the category of a noun, especially when counting or measuring items.

Example

In Japanese, the word 'hon' is a classifier used for counting long, thin objects like pencils.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a classifier in language studies?

Yeah, I think it’s used to categorize words, right?

Exactly! Like in Japanese, they use specific classifiers for counting objects.

That’s so interesting! I should look into it more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Classifier → It is formed from "class" (from Latin "classis", meaning a group or category) and "-ifier" (from Latin "-ificare", meaning to make or to cause). The word "classifier" refers to something that makes or causes a classification or categorization.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'class' as a group and '-ifier' as someone who makes or causes something. A classifier is someone who makes groups or categories.

Visually Confused Words