stratify
What does "stratify" mean?
To stratify means to arrange or classify something into distinct layers, levels, or groups. Imagine a geological formation where sediment piles up over time, creating clear, horizontal bands; the term captures this sense of creating hierarchy or order through separation. In usage, it is most commonly found in sociological or scientific contexts. You might hear about a "stratified society," referring to a rigid class structure, or a "stratified sample" in research, which ensures that different groups within a population are represented proportionally. It implies a structured, often rigid, organization of elements.
"stratify" in conversation
Sociology class
How does poverty stratify our current social system?
How does poverty stratify our current social system?
It creates clear barriers between socioeconomic classes.
It creates clear barriers between socioeconomic classes.
Used here to describe the creation of social layers or classes.
Data analysis project
We need to stratify the survey results by age group.
We need to stratify the survey results by age group.
Good idea, that will make the data much more accurate.
Good idea, that will make the data much more accurate.
Used in a technical sense to mean grouping data into distinct categories.
"stratify" in a sentence
The rock layers were clearly stratified over millions of years.
The rock layers were clearly stratified over millions of years.
The researcher decided to stratify the participants based on their education levels.
The researcher decided to stratify the participants based on their education levels.
Sociologists often study how income inequality serves to stratify modern populations into distinct social strata.
Sociologists often study how income inequality serves to stratify modern populations into distinct social strata.
