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Definition of classify

classify

/ˈklæsɪfaɪ/
clas · si · fy
Adjective:classified
•
Past Simple:classified
•
Past Participle:classified
•
Present Participle:classifying
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classify Lexical Profile

classify Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To arrange or organize a group of people or things into classes or categories according to shared qualities or characteristics.

Example

"Biologists classify living organisms into distinct taxonomic groups based on their evolutionary history."

2

To designate documents or information as officially secret and accessible only to authorized individuals.

Example

"The agency decided to classify the diplomatic cables to protect national security."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for classify

• Nearby Words

classified
classifieds
classifier
classify
classily
classiness
classism

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century from the noun 'class' (from Latin 'classis', meaning a division of the Roman people) and the verb-forming suffix '-ify' (from Latin '-ficare', meaning to make).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Classify. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/classify
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