Classification: meaning, definitions and examples

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classification

[ˌklasɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

science

The action or process of classifying something according to shared qualities or characteristics.

Synonyms

categorization, categorizing, sorting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
classification	This is a duplicate entry for the first 'classification'. Please refer to the definition above. Refer to the examples for the first 'classification'
categorization	Use 'categorization' when you are organizing items into groups based on common characteristics. This term is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The categorization of tasks helps in effective time management Our library has a strict categorization system for all the books
sorting	Use 'sorting' when organizing items into order or separating them based on specific criteria. This term is commonly used in everyday situations and is less formal. They are sorting the mail by postal code We spent the afternoon sorting old photographs
categorizing	'Categorizing' involves the process of placing items into categories. It is often used when describing an action being taken rather than the system or result. We spent the afternoon categorizing the books by genre She is good at categorizing complex data into understandable groups

Examples of usage

Classification of animals into different groups based on their characteristics.
The classification of movies into genres helps viewers choose what to watch.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

library science

The systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria.

Synonyms

arrangement, cataloging, indexing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
classification	Used when grouping items or information into categories based on shared characteristics. The classification of books in the library makes them easier to find. Scientists use classification to study and organize different species.
cataloging	Often used in libraries or archives when creating a systematic list of items for ease of identification and retrieval. The librarian spent the afternoon cataloging new arrivals. Cataloging artifacts is a crucial part of running a museum.
indexing	Used when creating an organized system where information can be quickly identified and located, typically within documents or databases. Indexing the document will help in quickly finding the required section. The book has over 500 pages, so indexing it was particularly challenging.
arrangement	Used when indicating the act of putting things in a specific order or layout. The arrangement of seats in the auditorium allowed everyone a good view of the stage. He admired the floral arrangement on the dinner table.

Examples of usage

The classification of books in the library makes it easier for users to find what they need.
Library classification systems help organize information for efficient retrieval.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

biology

The arrangement of organisms into hierarchical groups based on shared characteristics.

Synonyms

categorization, grouping, taxonomy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
classification	Use this term when you want to refer to the process of arranging things in a systematic way based on shared characteristics, often in a scientific or formal context. The classification of living organisms helps scientists understand evolutionary relationships The library has a complex book classification system
taxonomy	This term is mainly used in scientific or specialized contexts to refer to the classification of organisms or objects according to a set system, often hierarchical. The taxonomy of plants includes several different levels from kingdom down to species In biology class, we learned about the taxonomy of mammals
categorization	This term is suitable when talking about the action of sorting items into categories, usually for the purpose of making them easier to find, understand, or analyze. Categorization of expenses can help manage a budget better The app uses categorization to organize your photos by date and location
grouping	Grouping is appropriate for more informal or everyday contexts, where items are simply put together based on some common feature without a strict system. The teacher asked students to do a grouping activity based on their favorite colors Grouping friends into different circles can help organize social events

Examples of usage

The classification of species helps scientists understand evolutionary relationships.
Biologists use classification to study the diversity of life on Earth.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'classificare', meaning to arrange by class.
It has roots in the combining of the word 'class' and the suffix '-fication', which indicates the action of making or doing.
It became widely used in the 19th century with the growth of scientific classification systems.

Science

Biological classification groups living organisms into categories like kingdom, phylum, and species based on shared characteristics.
In the realm of psychology, classification helps organize various mental disorders and treatments into diagnostic categories.
Computer science uses classification algorithms in machine learning to help categorize data, improving applications like email filtering.

Education

Teachers use classification to create learning groups based on student abilities or interests, helping tailor education to individual needs.
In library science, books are classified using systems such as the Dewey Decimal System to make them easier to find.
Classroom activities can be classified by subject or skill level, allowing for more effective lesson planning.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, classification systems are used to organize knowledge, like categorizing historical events or folk tales.
Fashion trends can be classified by eras or styles, showing how clothing reflects societal changes over time.
Culinary practices often classify dishes by ingredients or cooking methods, influencing regional cuisines.

Art

Art movements can be classified, like Impressionism or Surrealism, helping us understand history and artistic intent.
Artworks are often categorized by medium, such as painting, sculpture, or installation, guiding collectors and curators.
In museums, classification systems help visitors navigate exhibits, offering a structured way to appreciate art.

Translations

Translations of the word "classification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 classificação

🇮🇳 वर्गीकरण

🇩🇪 Klassifikation

🇮🇩 klasifikasi

🇺🇦 класифікація

🇵🇱 klasyfikacja

🇯🇵 分類 (ぶんるい)

🇫🇷 classification

🇪🇸 clasificación

🇹🇷 sınıflandırma

🇰🇷 분류 (bunlyu)

🇸🇦 تصنيف

🇨🇿 klasifikace

🇸🇰 klasifikácia

🇨🇳 分类 (fēnlèi)

🇸🇮 klasifikacija

🇮🇸 flokkun

🇰🇿 жіктеу

🇬🇪 დასინჯვა

🇦🇿 təsnifat

🇲🇽 clasificación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,141, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2138 pipe
2139 export
2140 furnished
2141 classification
2142 literary
2143 organic
2144 recognize
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