Home Dictionary Ssort

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sort

When used as a noun, "sort" is often interchangeable with "kind" or "type". In casual conversation, people frequently use the phrase "sort of" to mean "somewhat" or "to some extent." When used as a verb meaning to organize, it is common to specify the criteria (e.g., "sort by size" or "sort alphabetically"). The phrasal verb "sort out" is very versatile; it can mean literally organizing objects or figuratively solving a complex problem or disagreement.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Maya is cleaning up after a group project meeting while Jackson is lounging on his phone.

Jackson

I'm basically a new sort of venture capitalist now.

Maya

Get a grip and help me sort these files.

💡

The dialogue contrasts Jackson's delusional self-image (using 'sort' as a noun for category/type) with Maya's grounded demand for manual labor (using 'sort' as a verb meaning to organize). The phrase 'get a grip' is a common idiom used to tell someone to regain their composure or stop being unrealistic.

Meanings

verb (transitive)

To arrange things into groups based on similarities or specific criteria.

"She spent the afternoon sorting her old photographs by date."

verb (transitive)

To resolve a problem or organize a confused situation; often used with 'out'.

"We need to sort out the logistics for the upcoming conference."

noun

A category of things or people with common characteristics.

"What sort of music do you prefer listening to?"

Last Updated: May 22, 2026•Report an Error