verb
B1
Intermediate
categorize
KA-tih-guh-ryz
Categorize (verb) means to sort or classify something into groups based on shared characteristics. Example: “The librarian categorized the new books by genre.”
verb
1
To sort or classify something into groups based on shared characteristics.
"The librarian categorized the new books by genre."
"It's hard to categorize his music — it blends so many styles."
How to use categorize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo put things into groups or categories based on what they have in common.
UK vs US
Both "categorize" and "categorise" are used in British English; American English uses "categorize" only.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- categorizes
- Past tense
- categorized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The librarian _____ the new books by genre.
Etymology
From category plus the verb suffix -ize.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for categorize
See all rhymes for categorize →Frequently asked questions
What does “categorize” mean?
The word “categorize” means to sort or classify something into groups based on shared characteristics. In plain terms, to put things into groups or categories based on what they have in common.
How do you pronounce “categorize”?
“Categorize” is pronounced KA-tih-guh-ryz (/ˈkætəɡəˌɹaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “categorize” in a sentence?
Here is “categorize” used in a sentence: “The librarian categorized the new books by genre.”
What part of speech is “categorize”?
“Categorize” is a verb.
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