Assorted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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assorted

[əˈsɔːtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

various items

Consisting of a mixture of different types of things; diverse.

Synonyms

diverse, mixed, varied.

Examples of usage

  • There were assorted snacks on the table for the guests to enjoy.
  • She picked an assorted bouquet of flowers for her mother's birthday.
Context #2 | Verb

sorting

To classify or arrange in a group or according to type.

Synonyms

categorize, classify, organize.

Examples of usage

  • She spent the afternoon assorting the different colored beads into separate containers.
  • The librarian needed to assort the books on the shelves by genre.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Assorted flavors are popular in many cuisines, such as assorted sushi, where different ingredients are combined.
  • In baking, an assorted cookie platter is common, showcasing different types of cookies at once.
  • Specialties like assorted pastries allow people to taste multiple treats in one experience.

Retail and Marketing

  • Stores often sell assorted items to appeal to different customer preferences, like mixed bag candies.
  • Product assortments are used in promotions to attract buyers looking for variety.
  • Assorted product lines can enhance customer experience by offering options.

Art and Design

  • Assorted colors in art create visual interest and express diverse themes and emotions.
  • Artists might use assorted materials to achieve different textures and effects in their work.
  • Interior designers frequently use an assorted mix of furniture styles to create unique spaces.

Psychology

  • Humans often prefer assorted options over single choices, as it can enhance satisfaction.
  • Having an assorted variety can reduce decision fatigue, making it easier to choose what to engage with.
  • Studies show that an assorted selection can lead to increased motivation and excitement.

Origin of 'assorted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'assorted' comes from the Middle English 'assorten', which means to sort together.
  • It originally referred to things that were chosen to go together, emphasizing variety.
  • The prefix 'as-' means 'to' or 'in the direction of', indicating a collection.

The word 'assorted' originated from the Latin word 'assortiri', which means 'to distribute among'. Over time, the term evolved to describe a collection of various items or types. The concept of assorting items has been prevalent in human societies for centuries, as people have always sought to organize and categorize things for easier access and understanding.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,885, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.