organize
Also spelled organise (UK spelling)
Organize (verb) means to arrange something so it is in order or works efficiently. Example: “She spent the weekend organizing her closet.”
How to use organize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo put things in order, arrange an event, or bring workers together into a union.
American English spelling; British English typically uses "organise."
Word forms
organized past tense, organize plural, organized plural, organizes singular, organize singular, organized singular, organizest singular, organizedst singular, organizeth singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We need to _____ the files before the audit begins.
Etymology
From Old French organiser, from Medieval Latin organizāre, ultimately from Greek órganon.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for organize
See all rhymes for organize →Frequently asked questions
What does “organize” mean?
The word “organize” means to arrange something so it is in order or works efficiently. In plain terms, to put things in order, arrange an event, or bring workers together into a union.
How do you pronounce “organize”?
“Organize” is pronounced AW-guh-nyz (/ˈɔɹɡənaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “organize” in a sentence?
Here is “organize” used in a sentence: “We need to organize the files before the audit begins.”
What is another word for “organize”?
Words with a similar meaning to “organize” include adapt, adjust, apportion, arrange, assort and bunch.
What is the opposite of “organize”?
The opposite of “organize” — its antonyms — are confuse, disarrange, disorganize, disperse and embroil.
What part of speech is “organize”?
“Organize” is a verb.
Where does the word “organize” come from?
The word “organize” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French organiser, from Medieval Latin organizāre, ultimately from Greek órganon.
Is “organize” a common word?
“Organize” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
Is it spelled "organize" or "organise"?
Both are correct. Organize is the standard spelling in American English, while organise is widespread in British English; some British publishers use the -ize form as well. Whichever you choose, keep the spelling consistent throughout a document.
What is the difference between organize and arrange?
To arrange is to put things in a particular order, position, or sequence, while to organize is broader: to set something up so that it is in order and works efficiently, or to plan and coordinate an event. You arrange chairs in rows, but you organize a conference.
What is the difference between organize and sort?
To sort is to separate items into groups or put them in a sequence according to a rule, such as sorting mail by address. To organize goes further, meaning to create an arrangement or system that makes something orderly and efficient, which may involve sorting as one step.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include organize: