Classify: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used in scientific, technical, or academic contexts where items are being divided into specific classes or groups based on shared characteristics.

• Scientists classify insects based on their wing structure.
• We need to classify these documents according to their confidentiality level.

Appropriate when separating items into categories based on identifiable criteria, often in everyday settings or general discussions.

• I need to categorize my books into fiction and non-fiction.
• Teachers often categorize students based on their learning styles.

Typically used for arranging items in a sequence or specific order, often based on pre-determined criteria.

• Please sort the files by date.
• We need to sort the emails by priority.

Commonly used when bringing together items or people based on a common feature, often in informal or everyday situations.

• Let's group the students by age for the school trip.
• We should group the data by region for easier analysis.

Suitable for arranging items or tasks in a structured and efficient way, often related to planning or preparation.

• I need to organize my desk to find things more easily.
• She is organizing the event for next week.

Used when organizing items or information into specific groups or categories based on shared characteristics.

• Scientists classify animals based on their physical traits.
• We need to classify these documents according to their confidentiality levels.

Appropriate for organizing items or ideas into categories for easier understanding or management.

• Librarians categorize books by genre.
• You should categorize your expenses to track your spending better.

Used for identifying or describing something by attaching a word or phrase to it. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if used to stereotype people.

• We need to label each box for the move.
• Don't label people so quickly; get to know them first.

Commonly used in the context of digital content or social media to attach specific descriptors for easier searchability and organization.

• Make sure to tag your photos with relevant keywords.
• The blog posts are tagged to help users find related content.