Sortable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sortable

[ˈsɔːtəbəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

computing

Capable of being sorted in a particular order according to a specified criterion.

Synonyms

arrangeable, orderable, organizable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sortable

Used in the context of items that can be arranged in a sequence or order, often in a data or list context.

  • The spreadsheet columns are sortable by date.
  • These files are sortable by size.
arrangeable

Refers to items that can be organized or placed in a specific order or position, often in a physical or visual context.

  • The furniture in this room is very arrangeable to fit your design preference.
  • These icons are arrangeable on the desktop.
orderable

Typically used for items that can be arranged within a sequence, often implying that there is a system or process for this ordering.

  • The items in this catalog are orderable by name.
  • The list of tasks is orderable according to priority.

Examples of usage

  • The sortable table allows users to organize data based on different categories.
  • The sortable list displays items alphabetically or by date.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In computer programming, data structures often include sortable lists, allowing users to arrange data in different ways depending on their needs.
  • Many software applications, from spreadsheets to databases, utilize sorting algorithms to optimize how information is displayed.
  • The first known sorting algorithm dates back to the 1950s and has significantly evolved to handle vast amounts of data efficiently.

Linguistics

  • The concept of sortability is not just limited to words, but also applies to categorizing ideas, concepts, and even languages.
  • In linguistics, 'sortable categories' could help in filing different grammatical structures or vocabulary according to certain rules.
  • The way we sort and categorize words reflects our cognitive processes and how we understand language.

Education

  • Teachers often use sorting activities to help children learn concepts of classification, such as grouping animals into categories or sorting shapes.
  • Sortable content in educational tools enhances engagement, making it easier for students to find information quickly.
  • Gamification in education often employs sortable elements to create interactive learning experiences.

Pop Culture

  • In many video games, sortable inventories help players manage items effectively, enhancing gameplay experience.
  • Reality TV shows often feature segments where items are sorted or organized, tapping into viewers' fascination with order and tidiness.
  • Online shopping platforms utilize sortable features to allow users to find products based on specific criteria, such as price or popularity.

Origin of 'sortable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sortable' comes from the verb 'sort,' which means to arrange in a specific order, plus the suffix '-able,' meaning capable of.
  • The usage of the term increased with the rise of data management and technology in the late 20th century.
  • Early examples of sorting can be traced back to everyday activities, such as organizing items by size or color long before the term was popularized.

The word 'sortable' originates from the combination of 'sort' and the suffix '-able', indicating the ability to be sorted. It gained popularity in the field of computing as technologies advanced to allow users to organize and arrange data more efficiently. Today, 'sortable' is commonly used in various digital interfaces to describe elements that can be rearranged based on user preferences.


See also: resort, sort, sorted, sorter, sorting, sorts, unsorted.