Sort
/sɔːrt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo arrange things into groups according to type or category.
/sɔːrt/
To arrange or classify items
Can you sort these files by date?
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a bunch of toys scattered on the floor. To 'sort' them means to put all the cars in one place, all the blocks in another, and so on. It's like organizing your stuff!
👶 For kids: To put things into groups that are alike.
More Examples
The librarian sorted the books by genre.
We need to sort the applicants based on their qualifications.
How It's Used
"I need to sort these clothes into piles for donation and keeping."
"The program sorts the data alphabetically."
To separate something from other things of a similar kind.
/sɔːrt/
To separate from others; to sift
The machine sorted the defective products.
💡 Simply: If you're making cookies and want to take out any broken ones, you'd 'sort' them by separating the good ones from the bad ones.
👶 For kids: To pick out the good stuff from the bad stuff.
More Examples
He carefully sorted through the old photographs.
We need to sort out the misinformation from the facts.
How It's Used
"They sort the good apples from the bad ones."
"The software sorts the data to remove any inconsistencies."
A group of things that have similar characteristics; a type or kind.
/sɔːrt/
A type, kind, or variety
What sort of car do you have?
💡 Simply: When you say 'all sorts of candy,' you're talking about many different kinds of candy. A 'sort' is just a type or variety!
👶 For kids: A different kind of something.
More Examples
There are many sorts of flowers in the garden.
He tried all sorts of food at the buffet.
How It's Used
"She enjoys all sorts of music."
"There are several sorts of apples available."
Synonyms
Arrange
Classify
Group
Organize
Filter
Screen
Select
Separate
Sift
Category
Class
Kind
Idioms & expressions
out of sorts
Feeling unwell or irritable.
"I've been feeling a little out of sorts today; I think I need to rest."
sort of
Used to express uncertainty or imprecision.
"It's sort of hot today."
a different sort of
To indicate a different type or category.
"This book is a different sort of mystery."
From Old French *sorte* (kind, class), from Latin *sors* (lot, fate, class).
The word 'sort' has been used since the 13th century, originating from the Latin word 'sors'. It initially meant 'lot' or 'fate' before evolving to its current meanings.
Memory tip
Think of a post office worker sorting mail into different bins.