category
A category is a group of people or things that are similar in some way or share common characteristics. It is used to organize information into specific classes or sets for easier identification and analysis.
Examples
3 of 5I need to sort these clothes into a separate category for washing.
I need to sort these clothes into a separate category for washing.
The committee has established a new category for environmental achievements.
The committee has established a new category for environmental achievements.
In my head, that movie falls into the 'so bad it's good' category.
In my head, that movie falls into the 'so bad it's good' category.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a library catalog; a CATalog helps you find the right CATegory of books.
Quick Quiz
The library books are organized by ___, such as fiction, non-fiction, and history.
Correct!
The correct answer is: category
Examples
I need to sort these clothes into a separate category for washing.
everydayI need to sort these clothes into a separate category for washing.
The committee has established a new category for environmental achievements.
formalThe committee has established a new category for environmental achievements.
In my head, that movie falls into the 'so bad it's good' category.
informalIn my head, that movie falls into the 'so bad it's good' category.
The researchers divided the data into three distinct categories based on participant age.
academicThe researchers divided the data into three distinct categories based on participant age.
Our marketing strategy targets consumers in the high-income category.
businessOur marketing strategy targets consumers in the high-income category.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in a category of its own
in a category of its own
cross-category
cross-category
under the category of
under the category of
Often Confused With
Genre is specifically used for artistic, musical, or literary styles, while category is a more general term for any classification.
Class often refers to social standing or a group of students, whereas category refers to logical divisions of items.
Usage Notes
Use this word when you are discussing logic, science, or systematic organization. It is frequently paired with verbs like 'assign,' 'define,' or 'relegate.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell it as 'catagory' with an 'a' in the middle. Remember the middle letter is 'e'.
Memory Tip
Think of a library catalog; a CATalog helps you find the right CATegory of books.
Word Origin
Derived from the Ancient Greek 'kategorein', which originally meant to accuse or assert publicly, later used in logic by Aristotle to describe types of predicates.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Western education emphasizes 'categorical thinking' as a fundamental skill for scientific and logical reasoning.
Quick Quiz
The library books are organized by ___, such as fiction, non-fiction, and history.
Correct!
The correct answer is: category
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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