classified
Classified (adj) means Officially marked as secret and restricted from public disclosure by a government. Example: “The documents remain classified fifty years later.”
How to use classified
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither officially secret information, or a small newspaper ad — context makes the meaning obvious.
Word forms
more classified comparative, classifieds plural, most classified superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The documents remain _____ fifty years later.
Etymology
From classify + -ed.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for classified
See all rhymes for classified →Frequently asked questions
What does “classified” mean?
The word “classified” means officially marked as secret and restricted from public disclosure by a government. In plain terms, either officially secret information, or a small newspaper ad — context makes the meaning obvious.
How do you pronounce “classified”?
“Classified” is pronounced KLA-suh-fyd (/ˈklæsəfaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “classified” in a sentence?
Here is “classified” used in a sentence: “The documents remain classified fifty years later.”
What part of speech is “classified”?
Depending on how it is used, “classified” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “classified” a common word?
“Classified” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “classified” have?
“Classified” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: officially marked as secret and restricted from public disclosure by a government.
What is the difference between 'classified' and 'confidential'?
'Classified' typically means officially marked as secret and restricted from public disclosure by a government, and it often carries a formal security level. 'Confidential' is broader and can apply to any private information, from medical records to business plans, without necessarily involving government secrecy.
What is the difference between 'classified' and 'top secret'?
'Classified' is the general term for government information restricted from public disclosure. 'Top secret' is a specific, high level of classification, meaning that all top secret material is classified, but not all classified material is top secret.
What are 'classified ads'?
'Classified ads' use the second sense of the word, meaning sorted into categories. They are small advertisements grouped by subject, such as jobs, cars, or housing, rather than anything secret or restricted.
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