Category

Definition

Category is a noun. It refers to a class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared characteristics.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkætəˌɡɔri/
• Respelling: KAT-uh-gor-ee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkætəɡ(ə)ri/
• Respelling: KAT-uh-guh-ree

Etymology

The word "category" originates from the Greek term "katēgoria," meaning "statement, accusation, or assertion," which comes from "katēgoros," meaning "accuser." In Late Latin, it took on the meaning of "class" or "classification," and entered English in the 16th century to mean "a distinct group or class."

Derivatives

• Categorize (verb)
• Categorization (noun)
• Subcategory (noun)
• Category-based (adjective)
• Recategorize (verb)

Synonyms

• Class
• Type
• Group

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "category" is commonly used to group items, concepts, or people with similar characteristics or attributes. For example, "The books are divided into several categories," or "This award falls under a special category."

Related Terms

• Classification: The action or process of arranging or assigning items to a class or group.
• Type: A category of people or things having common characteristics.
• Genre: A category, especially in artistic contexts, with distinct form, style, or content.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared characteristics: Refers to a grouping that brings together similar items based on common traits.
  • Example: "The students were divided into skill-level categories."
• In logic, one of a series of classes to which things can be assigned: Used in philosophical or logical contexts to refer to classifications of concepts or entities.
  • Example: "Aristotle's philosophy discusses several categories of being."