Category

/ˈkæt.ə.ɡoʊ.ri/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared characteristics.
The library organizes its books into different categories for easier browsing.
A group within a system of classification.
In the study, participants were divided into several categories based on their age.
A label or designation for a group of items that share a common trait.
He was pleased to see his work recognized in the science fiction category of the award.
A concept that represents a class or type.
The philosopher discussed the category of existence and what it means to be.
In logic, a classification or grouping that extends to all members of a certain class.
The logical arguments fall into the category of deductive reasoning.

Etymology

Late 14c., from Latin 'categoriam', from Greek 'katēgoria', meaning 'a saying, an assertion;' related to 'katēgorein' (to accuse or affirm).

Common Phrases and Expressions

in a category by itself:
Something that is unique or unmatched in its characteristics.
sub-category:
A smaller or more specific category within a larger one.
category killer:
A retail store that is so dominant in its category that it pushes out smaller competitors.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Get in where you fit in
When joining a group, you find your category based on your interests.
Out of the box
Her ideas were so innovative, they didn’t fit into any standard category.