Itemize - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

list

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

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Interesting Facts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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28787 cuddle
28788 gestural
28789 anomie
28790 itemize
28791 hollowness
28792 callousness
28793 erst
...

Itemize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations