verb

codify

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Codify (verb) means to gather rules, practices or laws that already exist and set them out formally as a written system. Example: “Parliament voted to codify the right to repair into law.”

verb

To gather rules, practices or laws that already exist and set them out formally as a written system.

"Parliament voted to codify the right to repair into law."

"The company codified its hiring process after years of doing it by instinct."

To arrange information into a code or ordered scheme.

"Librarians codified the collection by subject and period."

"Field notes were codified so that the results could be compared."

How to use codify

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo write down existing rules properly so everyone follows the same version.

When to use it

Formal, most at home in legal, political and organisational writing.

Memory tip

You codify something that already happens; if you are creating a rule from nothing, establish or introduce is the better verb.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

codify → classify → encode → ratify →

Common pairings

codify a right codify into law codify practice codify the rules formally codified

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “codify” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Parliament voted to _____ the right to repair into law.

Etymology

From code, ultimately from Latin codex meaning a book or block of wood for writing, plus the verb ending -fy from Latin facere to make.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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systematise formalise set down enshrine standardise classify catalogue encode organise

Antonyms

repeal leave informal

Related words

group class form land list sort lay index

Rhymes for codify

deify unify verify pacify notify purify modify qualify amplify crucify specify falsify

See all rhymes for codify →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between codify and encode?

To codify is to write scattered rules into a single organised body of rules. To encode is to convert information into a different form, such as a cipher or a file format. Only codify implies turning practice into official rules.

What is the difference between codify and ratify?

Codify is about writing rules down in systematic form. Ratify is about formally approving something that has already been drafted or signed, such as a treaty. A code can be codified first and ratified afterwards.

Can you codify something that is not a law?

Yes. Organisations codify hiring practices, style guides and safety procedures. The word simply means turning informal habit into a written, agreed standard.

What is the meaning of codify?

"codify" (verb) means to gather rules, practices or laws that already exist and set them out formally as a written system.

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