categorize
Place things into groups based on shared characteristics
Examples
In a meeting
“Please categorize these expenses by department before month-end.”
Over coffee
“I categorize my books by genre so I can find them easily.”
Why this word
classify
categorize and classify are nearly identical, but categorize slightly emphasizes placing into predefined categories, while classify can involve creating new classes
sort
categorize implies systematic grouping by characteristics, while sort is more casual and can be based on any criterion
group
categorize suggests using established logical categories, while group simply means putting together without implying systematic criteria
Usage tip
Use when organizing items into logical groups for easier management or understanding
Etymology
Greek: kategoria (accusation, predication)
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Related words
aggregate
To collect or combine separate items into a single total or group.
delineate
To describe or outline something precisely and clearly.
compartmentalize
Separate things into distinct sections or categories
unify
To bring together into a single whole or system
partition
To divide into separate sections or parts
designate
Officially assign a role, purpose, or name to someone or something