Classification: Definition, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：grouping by features (classification)

classification 🔊

/ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

The action of putting things into groups based on their shared features.

Classification example: sorting colored blocks into labeled boxes

grouping by features 🔊

➕

/ˈɡruːpɪŋ baɪ ˈfiːtʃərz/

The process of arranging items into categories based on shared characteristics.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'classis' (group) + 'ficare' (to make) + '-ation' (action), meaning the act of grouping.

💡 Mnemonic

Classify: think of 'class' + 'ify' — put things into classes.

📖 Example

The librarian's classification system made it easy for students to find books about animals, plants, or history. 🔊 The librarian's classification system made it easy for students to find books about animals, plants, or history.

🔗 Collocations

classification system – a method for organizing items into groups

classification scheme – a plan or arrangement for grouping things

data classification – the process of sorting data into categories

🔄 Synonyms

categorization (n.) – the act of placing into categories

grouping (n.) – the arrangement into groups

taxonomy (n.) – the science of classification

🚫 Antonyms

disorder (n.) – a state of confusion or lack of organization

chaos (n.) – complete disorder and confusion

mixing (n.) – the act of combining without order

🌱 Derivatives

classify (v.) – to arrange into categories

classified (adj.) – arranged into categories; also, kept secret

classificatory (adj.) – relating to classification

📖 Cultural Story

The term stems from Linnaeus's system of biological classification (1735), revolutionizing how species are organized. Today, it's vital in library sciences, data science, and every field requiring organized knowledge.