re-sort
C2Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
to sort again; to separate and arrange items into a new order or sequence.
To categorize or organize data, items, or priorities for a second or subsequent time, often after conditions have changed or new information has become available.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The hyphen is crucial to distinguish from 'resort' (to turn to). It explicitly signals the verb 'to sort' with the prefix 're-' meaning 'again'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and form. Spelling with a hyphen is standard in both varieties. The primary difference is potential frequency in specific technical domains.
Connotations
Neutral and procedural in both varieties. Implies a methodical, often systematic, re-evaluation or reordering.
Frequency
Low-frequency in general discourse but stable in technical, logistical, and data management contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] re-sort [Object] (into [new groups])[Subject] re-sort [Object] by/according to [criterion]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this hyphenated form.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in logistics and project management, e.g., 'We need to re-sort the client list by potential revenue.'
Academic
Used in data analysis and library sciences, e.g., 'After cleaning the dataset, the researcher had to re-sort the variables.'
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Might be used for physical items, e.g., 'I had to re-sort the laundry after dropping the basket.'
Technical
Common in computing, database management, and information science, e.g., 'The algorithm will re-sort the array after each insertion.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The clerk had to re-sort the post by updated delivery codes.
- Could you re-sort these files by date, please?
American English
- The system will automatically re-sort the playlist based on your new ratings.
- We need to re-sort the inventory after the stocktake.
adverb
British English
- The data was processed and then re-sorted manually.
American English
- The tasks were dynamically and re-sorted based on priority.
adjective
British English
- The re-sort procedure is run nightly.
- A re-sort function is available in the software.
American English
- The re-sort algorithm is more efficient now.
- Follow the re-sort instructions in the manual.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please re-sort these books by colour.
- I re-sorted my cards after I dropped them.
- The librarian had to re-sort the returned books by genre and author.
- After receiving new data, we decided to re-sort the survey responses.
- The database administrator wrote a script to periodically re-sort the transaction logs by timestamp and user ID.
- Faced with shifting market demands, the team was forced to re-sort its strategic priorities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-do the SORT. The hyphen is like a pause, reminding you it's 'sort again', not 'resort to' something.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS ORDER. Re-sorting is imposing order a second time.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'resort' (курорт or прибегать). The hyphen is critical.
- The direct translation 'пересортировать' can sometimes imply 'to mis-graded goods' (брак), so the English term is more neutral.
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the hyphen and writing 'resort', which changes meaning completely.
- Using it in non-systematic contexts where 'look through again' or 'check' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Why is the hyphen in 're-sort' important?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Without the hyphen, 'resort' is a completely different word (a holiday location or to turn to for help). The hyphen is essential for the meaning 'to sort again'.
Yes. It is commonly used for abstract things like data, priorities, lists, and tasks, especially in technical and business contexts.
There isn't a direct single-word antonym. Opposites would be actions like 'to mix up', 'to jumble', or 'to disorganize'.
The pronunciation is typically identical to the verb form of 'resort' (/riːˈsɔːt/ or /riˈsɔːrt/). Context and the written hyphen are the only clear indicators of meaning.