Finesentence

Itemize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📋
Save

itemize

item-ize

🇺🇸 /ˈaɪtəˌmaɪz/

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

list

A list of items or things, especially in a formal or organized manner.

Synonyms

catalogue, inventory, list.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
itemize

Used when you need to break down and detail individual parts of something, often in formal or detailed documents.

  • The accountant asked me to itemize all my expenses for the tax report
list

A general term used in everyday situations when you are making a simple enumeration of items.

  • I need to make a list of groceries before I go shopping
inventory

Refers to creating a comprehensive list of goods or materials, especially in a store or business setting, typically for stock management.

  • They need to inventory the warehouse to see what needs to be restocked
catalogue

Best used when collecting and organizing items, often for a library, store, or collection and providing descriptions for these items.

  • The museum staff worked hard to catalogue all the new artifacts before the grand opening

Examples of usage

  • Please create an itemize of the groceries we need to buy.
  • The itemize of the agenda for the meeting is well-prepared.

Translations

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

Quick facts about “itemize”

Itemize is a 2-syllable noun (item-ize). It is pronounced /ˈaɪtəˌmaɪz/. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #28,790 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“itemize” in business and management

  • Itemization is crucial in budgeting, as it allows organizations to keep track of their expenses clearly.
  • Using itemized bills provides transparency between service providers and customers, making costs clearer.
  • In project management, itemizing tasks helps teams allocate resources effectively and monitor progress.

“itemize” in education

  • In study techniques, itemizing information can aid memory retention by breaking down concepts into manageable parts.
  • Teachers often encourage students to itemize their notes to enhance organization and comprehension of materials.
  • Itemizing homework assignments helps students prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively.

“itemize” in cognitive psychology

  • Breaking down information into itemized lists can reduce cognitive overload and make learning more efficient.
  • Research suggests that itemizing can improve recall by creating distinct categories for information.
  • Itemizing thoughts can also aid in therapeutic practices, allowing individuals to address and manage emotions step by step.

“itemize” in technology

  • In coding, itemization can refer to data structures such as arrays, where each item can be accessed clearly.
  • Itemizing features in software development aids in prioritizing what must be included in a project.
  • Digital to-do lists often allow itemization as a key feature, helping users manage tasks with ease.

Origin of 'itemize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the term 'item,' which comes from Latin 'ita,' meaning 'in this way' or 'thus.'
  • The suffix '-ize' comes from Greek, which makes the word mean 'to make into items.'
  • Its use in English dates back to the early 20th century, emphasizing the process of listing.

The word 'itemize' originated from the combination of 'item' and the suffix '-ize', which means 'to cause to be or conform to'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century, derived from the noun 'item' which refers to an individual article or unit in a collection or list.

See also: item, itemization.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,790, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.