Classified
/ˈklæsɪfaɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsDesignated as secret or confidential; not to be revealed to unauthorized persons.
/ˈklæsɪfaɪd/
Secret or confidential.
The classified documents were locked in a safe.
💡 Simply: Imagine a secret club with special information only members can know. 'Classified' means that information is only for the members—super secret!
👶 For kids: It's like a secret code only grown-ups who need to know can see.
More Examples
He was charged with leaking classified information.
How It's Used
"The document contained classified information."
"Access to the base is restricted to personnel with a need-to-know and proper clearance for classified materials."
To arrange or categorize something into classes or groups.
/ˈklæsɪfaɪd/
To arrange or categorize systematically.
The teacher classified the students into ability groups.
💡 Simply: It's like putting toys in their boxes: putting similar things together.
👶 For kids: To put things into groups that are the same.
More Examples
The data was classified according to age and gender.
How It's Used
"Scientists classified the new species of insect."
"The librarian classified the books according to the Dewey Decimal System."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Middle English *classified*, past participle of *classifien*, from Old French *classifier*, from Latin *classis* ('class') + *facere* ('to make').
The word has been used in its current senses since at least the 17th century, with its usage in relation to government secrecy becoming more prominent in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think 'class' - only certain people are allowed in a certain 'class' of information.
Word Origin
"class + facere (to make)"