Classification
/ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
Definitions
The process of arranging or sorting things into categories or groups based on shared characteristics.
/ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
The act of categorizing things
The classification of plants is a complex field.
💡 Simply: Imagine sorting your toys into boxes – that's classification! You're grouping similar things together (like all the cars in one box, all the stuffed animals in another).
👶 For kids: Putting things in groups that are the same.
More Examples
He used a new classification system for his research.
How It's Used
"The classification of organisms is based on their evolutionary relationships."
"The Dewey Decimal System is a widely used classification system for libraries."
From Middle French *classification, from Latin classis ('class') + -ficatio ('-fication'). The word developed alongside the growth of scientific systems of categorization.
The word gained prominence with the development of Linnaean taxonomy in the 18th century.
Memory tip
Think 'class' + 'ification' – putting things into classes.