stratify

Pronunciation

• US: /ˈstrætɪfaɪ/
• UK: /ˈstrætɪfaɪ/

Origin

From Latin "stratum" (layer) + "-fy" (to make), meaning "to form into layers"

Part of Speech

verb

Meanings

1. To arrange or organize something into layers, levels, or classes

   • Example: "Scientists stratified the soil samples into different geological layers."

2. To divide or classify people or things into distinct groups based on specific characteristics

   • Example: "The researchers stratified the population by age and income for their study."

3. (Botany) To subject seeds to cold treatment to encourage germination

   • Example: "Some seeds need to be stratified before they will sprout."

Related Words

• Forms:

  • stratifies (3rd person singular)
  • stratifying (present participle)
  • stratified (past tense/past participle)
  • stratification (noun)
  • stratified (adjective)

• Synonyms:

  • layer
  • classify
  • categorize
  • grade
  • rank

Memory Tricks

1. Think "strat" (like stratum = layer) + "ify" (to make) = "to make into layers"
2. Visualize a layer cake with distinct strata or layers
3. Remember the word "strata" in geology (rock layers) to connect with the meaning of arranging in layers

Usage Notes

Commonly used in:

• Scientific research
• Sociology
• Geology
• Statistics
• Business organization