reclassify

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌriːˈklæsɪfaɪ/

KK: /riˈklæsɪˌfaɪ/

verb

Definition

To assign a new category or classification to something that has already been classified.

Example

The committee decided to reclassify the species after new research was published.

Tense Forms

Past: reclassified

Past Participle: reclassified

Conversation

I heard they're going to reclassify the books in the library.

Really? I wonder why they feel the need to do that.

I think it's to make it easier to find the new arrivals.

That makes sense! A new system could help everyone navigate better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

reorganize

reassign

relabel

Antonyms

declassify

misclassify

disorganize

Root Explanation

Reclassify → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "classify" (from Latin "classificare", meaning to arrange into classes). The word "reclassify" means to arrange into classes again or to change the classification of something.

Memory Tip

Think of doing the classification 'again' ('re-') — that's why reclassify means to classify something anew.

Visually Confused Words

preclassify