Classify

/ˈklæsəˌfaɪ/ verb

Definition

To arrange people or things into groups based on shared qualities. In government or the military, it can also mean to mark information as secret.

Etymology

From French "classifier," from "classe" meaning "class" plus "-ifier" meaning "to make." It literally means "to make into classes or groups."

Kelly Says

Humans can’t stop classifying—we sort animals, music, and even our friends into mental folders. The same habit that organizes your closet is used to organize entire knowledge systems and national secrets.

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