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classify

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈklæsɪfaɪ/

KK: /ˈklæsɪˌfaɪ/

transitive verb
Definition

To sort or organize things into groups based on shared characteristics or categories.


Example

Scientists classify animals into different groups based on their traits.


Tense Forms

Past: classified

Past Participle: classified


Conversation
Sloth A
How do you classify your books at home?
Sloth B
I usually group them by genre, like fiction and non-fiction.
Sloth A
That makes sense! I need to classify mine better too.
Sloth B
Yeah, it helps when you're looking for something specific.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
categorize
label
sort
Antonyms
disorganize
confuse
scatter
Root Explanation

Classify → It is formed from "classis" (meaning a class or group) and "-fy" (meaning to make or to do). The word "classify" means to make or arrange into classes or groups.

Memory Tip

Think of arranging things into 'classes' — 'classis' means a group, and '-fy' means to make. This helps you remember that classify means to make groups.

Visually Confused Words
unclassify
reclassify
declassify
assify
subclassify
preclassify
misclassify
disclassify
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