B2verb2K

Classify

UK /["/ˈklæsɪfaɪ/","/ˈklæsɪfaɪz/","/ˈklæsɪfaɪd/","/ˈklæsɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈklæsɪfaɪ/","/ˈklæsɪfaɪz/","/ˈklæsɪfaɪd/","/ˈklæsɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to arrange something in groups according to features that they have in common

In simple words: To sort or label things into groups.

Examples

  • The teacher asked us to classify the animals into mammals, reptiles, and birds.
  • In the research project, we need to classify the data based on various criteria.
  • It can be difficult to classify emotions accurately since they often overlap.
  • In biology, scientists classify organisms to better understand their relationships.
  • Please classify your responses as positive, negative, or neutral.

Usage notes

Use 'classify' in academic or professional contexts when sorting items into categories. Avoid in casual conversation unless referring to categorization in a fun or informal way.

Grammar pattern

classify + object

Memory hint

Think of 'class + ify' — classifying means putting things into classes.

Collocations

  • classify information
  • classify data
  • classify items
  • classify documents
  • classify species

Synonyms

  • categorize
  • sort
  • group
  • label
  • organize

Antonyms

  • unclassify
  • misclassify

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'clarify', which means to make something clear.
  • Using 'classify' without an object, as in 'I classify.'
  • Confusing the order of words, like saying 'to classify on'.