Classify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈkla-sə-ˌfī/ clas·si·fy

Meaning & Definition of Classify

Classify (verb)

  1. to arrange in classes
  2. to consider (someone or something) as belonging to a particular group

Classify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to arrange or assign according to type

    "classify the baseball cards in your collection on the basis of rarity"

    similar: assort, break down, categorize, class, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish, distribute, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, relegate, separate, sort, type
    related: array, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, systematize, alphabetize, catalog, file, index, list, refer, pigeonhole, shelve, identify, recognize, cull, screen, set, sieve, sift, winnow, clump, cluster, colligate, recategorize, reclassify, regroup, subcategorize
    near: confuse, disarrange, jumble, lump, mix (up), scramble, misclassify, missort, mistype

  2. to put into a particular arrangement

    "classify the information you got from the Internet by source"

    similar: arrange, array, codify, dispose, draw up, lay out, marshal, order, organize, range, systematize
    related: groom, make up, spruce (up), straighten (up), tidy (up), unscramble, align, cue, line, line up, queue, alphabetize, file, hierarchize, prioritize, sequence, emplace, place, set, display, map (out), set out
    opposite: derange, disarrange, disarray, disorder, mess (up), muss (up), rumple, upset

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Classify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Classify:

assort, break down, categorize, class, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish, distribute, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, relegate, separate, sort, type, arrange, array, dispose, draw up, lay out, marshal, order, organize, systematize

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Classify

Words with the opposite meaning of Classify:

derange, disarrange, disarray, disorder, mess (up), muss (up), rumple, upset

Related Words for Classify

alphabetize, catalog, file, index, list, refer, pigeonhole, shelve, identify, recognize, cull, screen, set, sieve, sift, winnow, clump, cluster, colligate, recategorize, reclassify, regroup, subcategorize, groom, make up, spruce (up), straighten (up), tidy (up), unscramble, align

Near Antonyms of Classify

confuse, jumble, lump, mix (up), scramble, misclassify, missort, mistype

Word Forms of Classify

Inflections: classified, classifying

Derived words: classifiable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Classify

probably in part a back-formation from classification, in part from class:1 + -ify

First known use: 1776

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Classify

Frequently Asked Questions about Classify

What does "Classify" mean?

"Classify" means to arrange in classes. As a verb, it is defined as: to arrange in classes. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Classify"?

Other words for "Classify" include assort, break down, categorize, class, codify, compartment, compartmentalize and digest. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Classify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Classify"?

There are 70 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Classify". Common alternatives include assort, break down, categorize, class, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish and distribute.

What is the opposite of "Classify"?

Antonyms of "Classify" include derange, disarrange, disarray, disorder, mess (up), muss (up), rumple and upset. Near antonyms include confuse, jumble, lump and mix (up).

How do you use "Classify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Classify" in a sentence: "classify the baseball cards in your collection on the basis of rarity"; "classify the information you got from the Internet by source".

Is "Classify" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Classify" is a verb.

Is "Classify" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Classify" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Classify"?

"Classify" is pronounced /ˈkla-sə-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as clas·si·fy.