Sort Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sort
[sɔːt ]
Definitions
action
To arrange items systematically in a particular order.
Synonyms
categorize, classify, organize.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sort |
Use when you need to arrange items in a specific order or separate them into categories based on a particular criterion.
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| organize |
Typically used when you are arranging items or information in a structured and systematic way for better management or understanding.
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| classify |
Best used in formal or scientific contexts when placing items into systematic groups.
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| categorize |
Appropriate when you are assigning items or information to predefined categories.
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Examples of usage
- Can you help me sort the books by genre?
- She sorted the emails into different folders based on their importance.
- I need to sort through my clothes and donate what I no longer wear.
computing
A particular way in which a set of things is arranged or organized.
Synonyms
arrangement, classification, order.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sort |
Informal situations where you need to organize items or people into groups based on similar characteristics.
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| arrangement |
Situations that involve organizing objects or events in a specific pattern or structure. Often used for planned and structured setups.
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| order |
Situations where items or actions need to follow a specific sequence or pattern. It often implies a structured and organized manner.
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| classification |
Formal or academic situations where objects, ideas, or information need to be systematically categorized based on defined criteria.
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Examples of usage
- The sort function in this software allows you to alphabetize your contacts.
- Our database system can perform quick sorts based on various criteria.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- Sorting algorithms are crucial in computer science, allowing for efficient data organization.
- The most common sorting methods include bubble sort, quick sort, and merge sort, each with unique ways of arranging data.
- In statistics, sorting helps in analyzing data sets to identify trends or patterns.
Psychology
- People tend to sort information naturally to understand and remember it better.
- Cognitive psychology studies how sorting information affects learning and memory retention.
- Sorting can reduce cognitive overload by simplifying complex information into more manageable categories.
Pop Culture
- In video games, players often need to sort items to manage inventory effectively.
- Sorting challenges are popular in puzzles and competitions, testing logical thinking and speed.
- Reality shows sometimes present scenarios where contestants must sort items quickly to win.
Education
- Teachers often encourage students to sort information or materials to enhance understanding and retention.
- Sorting can be used in early education to introduce children to categorization and classification skills.
- In research, organizing findings helps in drawing conclusions and presenting data clearly.
Origin of 'sort'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'sortire', meaning 'to sort out' or 'to draw lots'.
- In Old French, 'sorte' referred to a means of sorting or classifying things.
- It originally meant to decide by lot but evolved to include organizing items as well.
The word 'sort' originated from the Old French word 'sorle' meaning 'kind' or 'manner'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the sense of 'group of people' or 'class of things'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'arrange in a certain order' or 'classify'.
See also: resort, sortable, sorted, sorter, sorting, sorts, unsorted.