Sorting out: meaning, definitions and examples

🔍
Add to dictionary

sorting out

 

[ ˈsɔːrtɪŋ ˈaʊt ]

Phrasal verb
Context #1 | Phrasal verb

separating things or finding a solution

To organize or resolve a situation, often by separating things that are mixed up or finding a solution to a problem.

Synonyms

arrange, clarify, organize, resolve, tidy up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sorting out

Used when dealing with a problem or a mess that needs to be solved or cleaned up.

  • I need to sort out my finances before the end of the month.
  • She helped me sort out the misunderstanding with the manager.
resolve

Appropriate when solving a problem, often one that is causing disagreement or difficulty.

  • We need to resolve this issue before it escalates further.
  • The committee resolved the dispute between the two companies.
organize

Relevant when structuring or planning something in a detailed and ordered way.

  • I need to organize my files before the audit.
  • They organized a charity event to raise money for the cause.
arrange

Applicable when ordering or setting up items or events in a systematic or desired sequence.

  • Can you arrange these books in alphabetical order?
  • She arranged a meeting with the new client.
clarify

Best used when making something clear or easier to understand.

  • Can you clarify what you mean by 'better results'?
  • The professor clarified the complicated concept for the students.
tidy up

Often used for cleaning and making a space neat and orderly.

  • I need to tidy up my room before the guests arrive.
  • She spent the afternoon tidying up the garden.

Examples of usage

  • Let's start sorting out these papers on the desk.
  • They need to sort out their differences and work together.
  • I'm trying to sort out my schedule for next week.
  • We need to sort out this issue before it gets worse.
  • Can you help me sort out this mess?

Translations

Translations of the word "sorting out" in other languages:

🇵🇹 resolvendo

🇮🇳 समझाना

🇩🇪 klären

🇮🇩 menyelesaikan

🇺🇦 розбиратися

🇵🇱 rozwiązywanie

🇯🇵 解決する

🇫🇷 résoudre

🇪🇸 resolver

🇹🇷 çözmek

🇰🇷 해결하다

🇸🇦 حل

🇨🇿 vyřešení

🇸🇰 riešenie

🇨🇳 解决

🇸🇮 reševanje

🇮🇸 leysa

🇰🇿 шешу

🇬🇪 გადაწყვეტა

🇦🇿 həll etmək

🇲🇽 resolver

Etymology

The phrasal verb 'sorting out' originates from the combination of the verb 'sort' and the preposition 'out'. The verb 'sort' has Old French and Latin roots, meaning 'to arrange things in a particular order'. The preposition 'out' adds the sense of separation or resolution. As a result, 'sorting out' has been commonly used in English to describe the action of organizing or resolving a situation.