stratify: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “stratify” mean?
To arrange or form into layers or strata.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To arrange or form into layers or strata.
To develop different levels or classes within a society, organization, or system; to separate into hierarchical groups based on status, wealth, or other characteristics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Equally formal and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic/sociological writing due to discourse on social stratification.
Grammar
How to Use “stratify” in a Sentence
[VN] (stratify something)[V] (something stratifies)[VN] into N (stratify something into layers/groups)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stratify” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The data was stratified by postcode to ensure regional representation.
- Over centuries, the sediments stratify, creating a clear historical record.
- Society began to stratify more sharply after the economic reforms.
American English
- Researchers stratified the sample by age and gender.
- The lake waters stratify in the summer, with warm water on top.
- Their policies risk further stratifying an already divided population.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form. 'In a stratified manner' is used.] The population was distributed in a stratified manner across the groups.
American English
- [No standard adverb form. 'In a stratified way' is used.] The seeds were planted in a stratified way to mimic natural conditions.
adjective
British English
- [Stratified is the adjectival form] We live in a deeply stratified society.
- The study used a stratified random sampling method.
American English
- [Stratified is the adjectival form] The rock shows a clearly stratified structure.
- Access to healthcare is highly stratified along economic lines.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR or market analysis: 'We stratified the customer base by purchase history.'
Academic
Core term in sociology: 'Industrial societies tend to stratify along economic lines.'
Everyday
Rare. Possible in gardening: 'Some seeds need cold to stratify before they germinate.'
Technical
Common in statistics (stratified sampling), geology (stratified rock), biology (stratified epithelium).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stratify”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stratify”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stratify”
- Using 'stratify' as a synonym for simple 'separate' or 'divide' without the connotation of ordered layers/ranks.
- Incorrect preposition: 'stratify in' instead of 'stratify into'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a mid-frequency word (C1 level) used primarily in formal, academic, and technical contexts. It is uncommon in everyday conversation.
'Classify' means to arrange into categories. 'Stratify' is a specific type of classification that implies a hierarchical or layered structure, like steps on a ladder or layers in a cake.
Not directly. The past participle 'stratified' functions as the adjective (e.g., 'a stratified society'). There is no standalone adjective form 'stratify'.
A statistical method where the population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on shared characteristics, and samples are taken from each stratum. This ensures all groups are represented.
To arrange or form into layers or strata.
Stratify is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Stratify: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstræt.ɪ.faɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstræt̬.ə.faɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STRATA' (layers) + '-FY' (to make). To STRATIFY is to make into STRATA or layers.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A GEOLOGICAL FORMATION (with layers/strata of rock representing social classes).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'stratify' LEAST likely to be used?