Assortment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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assortment

[ษ™หˆsษ”หrtmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

variety

A collection of different types of things, especially a range of products available for sale.

Synonyms

range, selection, variety.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assortment

Use when describing a collection of different items, often of the same category.

  • The bakery offers an assortment of pastries
  • She presented an assortment of fabrics
variety

Emphasizes the existence of different kinds or types, highlighting diversity within a group.

  • There's a variety of fruits in the market
  • The garden has a variety of flowers
selection

Often used when highlighting the act of choosing, or the available choices, possibly implying careful curation.

  • The selection of wines at this restaurant is impressive
  • She made a selection based on quality and price
range

Refers to a wide spectrum or scope of different items or options, often emphasizing diversity.

  • The shop has a broad range of clothing
  • There is a wide range of opinions on this topic

Examples of usage

  • There was a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables at the market.
  • The store offers an assortment of clothing for all ages.
Context #2 | Noun

candy

A selection of different types of candies or chocolates.

Synonyms

array, mix, selection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assortment

Use this word when referring to a variety of items that are grouped together, typically for offering choices.

  • The bakery offers an assortment of pastries
  • She has an assortment of pens on her desk
selection

This word is ideal for highlighting a curated choice of items from a larger category, often for purchase or consideration.

  • The selection of books at the library is vast
  • She admired the selection of wines at the restaurant
mix

Choose this word when referring to a combination of different things, especially when they are blended together.

  • The salad is a mix of various vegetables
  • The playlist is a mix of classical and modern music
array

This word is best used when describing a large and impressive range of items or people, often neatly organized.

  • The store has an impressive array of electronics
  • She gazed at the array of flowers in the garden

Examples of usage

  • The box of chocolates contained a delightful assortment of flavors.
  • She bought an assortment of gummy candies for the party.
Context #3 | Noun

arrangement

The act of arranging things in a particular order or way.

Synonyms

arrangement, display, organization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assortment

An assortment is often used to refer to a variety of different items grouped together. It can be used in contexts where there is a mix of items, such as in a shop or a collection.

  • The gift basket contained an assortment of chocolates, fruits, and cheeses.
  • The store offers an assortment of fresh produce every weekend.
arrangement

Arrangement typically refers to the way things are organized or placed. It can be used in contexts involving the layout or specific positioning of items.

  • She admired the floral arrangement on the table.
  • The seating arrangement at the event was well-planned.
organization

Organization refers to the act of arranging items systematically. It is commonly used in contexts where order and efficiency are emphasized.

  • Good organization in the workspace leads to better productivity.
  • The books were placed in alphabetical order for better organization.
display

Display is often used to describe items that are shown to the public, typically to attract attention or for sale. It usually implies something is being exhibited or showcased.

  • The gallery had an impressive display of modern art.
  • The store's window display attracted many customers.

Examples of usage

  • The assortment of flowers in the vase was beautifully arranged.
  • She studied the assortment of books on the shelf, trying to decide which one to read.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Marketing

  • In retail, products are often offered in assortments to attract customers with varied preferences.
  • An assortment pack can lead to increased sales as consumers are drawn to the variety available.
  • Businesses utilize assortments to showcase multiple product lines at once, enhancing consumer choice.

Culinary

  • Assorted food platters are popular at parties and gatherings, offering a range of appetizers for guests.
  • The term 'assortment' in cuisine can also refer to a mix of flavors, like in an assorted fruit salad.
  • Bakeries often create assorted pastry boxes, providing an assortment of treats that cater to different tastes.

Psychology

  • Studies show that having an assortment can increase decision satisfaction among consumers, preventing buyer's remorse.
  • The 'paradox of choice' suggests that too many options can lead to anxiety, highlighting the balance in assortments.
  • Assortments engage curiosity and exploration, prompting people to discover new favorites from a mix.

Literature

  • In stories, authors often create character assortments to depict complex social dynamics and relationships.
  • Assorted themes can help convey deeper meanings in literature, showing how different ideas can interact.
  • Anthologies are collections of assorted writings by various authors, allowing readers to experience diversity in styles.

Origin of 'assortment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'assorter', meaning 'to sort' or 'to arrange'.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'assortire', where 'ad-' means 'to' and 'sortire' means 'to sort'.
  • Using the term in English dates back to the late 14th century, showing its long history in the language.

The word 'assortment' originated in the mid-16th century from the French word 'assortiment', which in turn came from the verb 'assortir' meaning 'to assort'. The term evolved over time to refer to a varied collection of items or products. As trade and commerce expanded, the concept of offering a diverse assortment of goods became more prevalent in markets and stores, leading to the modern usage of the word.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,592, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.