array
To arrange a group of people or things in a deliberate, organized, or impressive manner. It can also refer to dressing someone in specific, often elaborate, clothing or finery.
Examples
3 of 5She arrayed her favorite books on the shelf by color to create a rainbow effect.
She arranged her favorite books on the shelf by color to create a rainbow effect.
The forces were arrayed along the ridge, waiting for the signal to advance.
The forces were positioned along the ridge, waiting for the signal to advance.
I arrayed all my tools on the workbench so I wouldn't lose anything while fixing the bike.
I laid out all my tools on the workbench so I wouldn't lose anything while fixing the bike.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an 'Array' as a 'Ray' of light—many beams organized and pointing in a specific, impressive direction.
Quick Quiz
The monarch was ________ in robes of silk and gold for the coronation ceremony.
Correct!
The correct answer is: arrayed
Examples
She arrayed her favorite books on the shelf by color to create a rainbow effect.
everydayShe arranged her favorite books on the shelf by color to create a rainbow effect.
The forces were arrayed along the ridge, waiting for the signal to advance.
formalThe forces were positioned along the ridge, waiting for the signal to advance.
I arrayed all my tools on the workbench so I wouldn't lose anything while fixing the bike.
informalI laid out all my tools on the workbench so I wouldn't lose anything while fixing the bike.
The data were arrayed in a series of complex tables to illustrate the correlation between variables.
academicThe data were organized in a series of complex tables to illustrate the correlation between variables.
The marketing team arrayed the new product line across the showroom to impress potential investors.
businessThe marketing team displayed the new product line across the showroom to impress potential investors.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
arrayed for battle
positioned and ready for combat
arrayed in all one's glory
dressed in one's finest or most impressive clothes
be arrayed against
to face a large number of opponents or obstacles
Often Confused With
Arraign means to call someone before a court to answer a criminal charge, whereas array means to organize or dress.
While similar, array often implies a more formal, impressive, or military-style organization compared to the general 'arrange'.
Usage Notes
The verb 'array' is most commonly used in formal, literary, or military contexts. It frequently appears in the passive voice, especially when describing how someone is dressed or how troops are positioned.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'array' only as a noun (e.g., 'a wide array of') and forget it can be used as a verb. They also occasionally confuse the spelling with 'arise' or 'area' in fast writing.
Memory Tip
Think of an 'Array' as a 'Ray' of light—many beams organized and pointing in a specific, impressive direction.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'arayer', meaning 'to put in order' or 'prepare'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In historical literature, 'array' is a standard term for describing the layout of knights or soldiers on a battlefield.
Quick Quiz
The monarch was ________ in robes of silk and gold for the coronation ceremony.
Correct!
The correct answer is: arrayed
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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vaccination
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immunization
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injection
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