Sort Meaning
Sort Definition & Usage
To arrange, categorize, or separate items or people based on specific criteria.
Examples
- "She sorted the books by genre before shelving them."
- "The files were sorted into folders according to the date."
- "They sorted the applicants based on their experience level."
- "Can you sort the laundry by color before we start washing?"
- "I need to sort through my emails before I leave for the weekend."
To deal with or address something, often informally or in a casual manner.
Examples
- "Don't worry, I'll sort the problem out in no time."
- "Can you sort that issue with the team by tomorrow?"
- "She sorted her schedule to make time for the meeting."
- "Let's sort this out over coffee later."
- "We need to sort the payment details before the end of the day."
A particular kind or type of something, usually based on shared characteristics.
Examples
- "There are different sorts of wine in the cellar."
- "What sort of music do you like?"
- "This is not the sort of behavior I expected from you."
- "I prefer that sort of food for breakfast."
- "We have a variety of sorts available in this store, from classic to modern."
An individual or person, especially when referring to their type or character.
Examples
- "He's a good sort, always ready to help."
- "I met a few sorts at the party last night."
- "She's the sort of person who doesn't give up easily."
- "He's a proper sort, very respectful and courteous."
- "Don't trust that sort of person; they're always up to something."
Cultural Context
The word 'sort' has evolved from its Latin roots, where it originally referred to a 'lot' or 'fate,' but has since become a versatile term in English with applications in both physical and abstract contexts. The concept of sorting is widely relevant in various professional, domestic, and organizational tasks, from bookkeeping to personal tidying.
The Sorting Challenge
Story
The Sorting Challenge
In a bustling office in the heart of the city, Sarah and her team were tasked with organizing a large batch of client files. The task seemed simple enough—sort the files by date and priority—but as Sarah soon found out, sorting wasn't always as easy as it seemed. As the clock ticked closer to the deadline, she realized that sorting wasn’t just about putting things in order; it was about knowing what to prioritize and how to address problems as they arose. 'Look at this mess!' Sarah said, running her hand through a pile of disorganized papers. 'We need to sort this out quickly, or we're never going to finish today.' Her colleague, Ben, looked at her and shrugged. 'You always say we need to sort things out, but sometimes I think we're just putting things into neat piles without addressing the real issues.' Sarah smiled, knowing he had a point. 'Alright, we’ll sort both the files and the priorities. We’ll divide the tasks—I'll handle the urgent ones.' As Sarah worked through the files, she realized that each one had a different sort of urgency. Some needed immediate attention, while others could wait a few days. She began to sort them not just by date, but also by client importance. Ben, who had a knack for handling small details, started arranging the physical files in neat, labeled folders. By the time the clock struck six, the office was in perfect order. The files were sorted, the team had addressed the most urgent matters, and everyone felt a sense of accomplishment. But Sarah knew that the word 'sort' had taken on many meanings that day. It wasn’t just about categorizing papers—it was about handling the challenges that came with organizing a chaotic task and prioritizing what mattered most. The team left the office, each carrying with them a new understanding of how to 'sort' through challenges, both big and small. As Sarah locked the door, she realized that sometimes, sorting was as much about mental clarity as it was about physical organization.
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