category

The word “category” means a group or class into which things are sorted based on shared features. In plain terms, a group that things are sorted into based on what they have in common.

“Category” is pronounced KA-tih-guh-ree (/ˈkæ.tɪˌɡɔ.ɹi/ in IPA).

Here is “category” used in a sentence: “Which category does this product fall under?”

“Category” is a noun.

The word “category” comes from Ancient Greek. From Late Latin categoria, from Ancient Greek kategoria, "class of predicables.".

“Category” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

The two overlap heavily and are often interchangeable. A category is any group defined by shared features, used broadly in everyday language. A class often implies a more formal or hierarchical system, as in biology or ranking. In most ordinary contexts, choosing either word makes little practical difference.

In a shop, "electronics," "clothing," and "groceries" are categories. In film, "comedy" and "horror" are categories, or genres. Any label that groups items by a shared trait — colour, size, purpose, or theme — works as a category, helping people sort and find things quickly.

Categories make large amounts of information manageable. By sorting things into groups with shared features, they help us organise, search, compare, and make decisions faster. Libraries, shops, websites, and the sciences all rely on categories so people can find what they need without examining every item individually.