sort out

sort out
verb
1. arrange or order by classes or categories (Freq. 3)
-

How would you classify these pottery shards—are they prehistoric?

• Syn: ↑classify, ↑class, ↑sort, ↑assort, ↑separate
• Derivationally related forms:
↑assortment (for: ↑assort), ↑sort (for: ↑sort), ↑sorter (for: ↑sort), ↑sorting (for: ↑sort), ↑class (for: ↑class), ↑classificatory (for: ↑classify), ↑class (for: ↑classify), ↑classification (for: ↑classify), ↑classifier (for: ↑classify)
• Hypernyms: ↑categorize, ↑categorise
• Hyponyms:
↑unitize, ↑unitise, ↑catalogue, ↑catalog, ↑isolate, ↑refer, ↑reclassify, ↑size, ↑dichotomize, ↑dichotomise, ↑pigeonhole, ↑stereotype, ↑stamp, ↑group, ↑grade, ↑count, ↑number
• Entailment: ↑compare
• Verb Frames:
-

Somebody ——s something

-

Somebody ——s somebody

2. make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear (Freq. 2)
-

Could you clarify these remarks?

-

Clear up the question of who is at fault

• Syn:
• Derivationally related forms: ↑elucidative (for: ↑elucidate), ↑lucidity (for: ↑elucidate), ↑elucidation (for: ↑elucidate), ↑illumination (for: ↑illuminate)
• Hypernyms: ↑clarify, ↑clear up, ↑elucidate
• Verb Frames:
-

Somebody ——s something

3. punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience
-

The teacher disciplined the pupils rather frequently

• Syn: ↑discipline, ↑correct
• Derivationally related forms: ↑corrigible (for: ↑correct), ↑corrective (for: ↑correct), ↑correction (for: ↑correct), ↑discipline (for: ↑discipline)
• Hypernyms: ↑punish, ↑penalize, ↑penalise
• Verb Frames:
-

Somebody ——s somebody

* * *

sort out [phrasal verb]
1 sort (something) out or sort out (something)
1 a : to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking

I'm trying to sort out [=find out, figure out] a way to do it.

1 b : to find an answer or solution for (something)

He's still trying to sort out his problems.

We need to get these problems sorted out as soon as possible.

1 c
◇ If something sorts itself out, it stops being a problem without anyone having to do anything.

They decided to wait until things sorted themselves out.

2 sort (someone) out or sort out (someone)
2 a : to solve the problems of (someone)

They're still trying to sort their son out. [=trying to sort out their son's problems]

I just need a little more time to sort myself out.

2 b Brit, informal : to deal with (someone who is causing problems) in a forceful way

I told my brother they were bullying me, and he promised to sort them out (for me).

— see also ↑sort 1 (above), 2
• • •
Main Entry: ↑sort

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • sort-out — n [singular] BrE informal an occasion when you tidy a room, desk etc and get rid of the things you do not need ▪ These cupboards need a good sort out …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • sort-out — UK US noun [singular] british informal the process of getting rid of things that you do not need and arranging things that you do need tidily It’s time we had a good sort out. Thesaurus: instance or an action of cleaning or tidyingsynonym …   Useful english dictionary

  • sort out — index cull, diagnose, differentiate, discriminate (distinguish), fix (arrange), part (separate) …   Law dictionary

  • sort-out — noun singular BRITISH INFORMAL the process of getting rid of things you do not need and arranging things that you do need neatly …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • sort out — phrasal verb [transitive] Word forms sort out : present tense I/you/we/they sort out he/she/it sorts out present participle sorting out past tense sorted out past participle sorted out 1) British to make arrangements for something to happen, or… …   English dictionary

  • sort out — 1) PHRASAL VERB If you sort out a group of things, you separate them into different classes, groups, or places, for example so that you can do different things with them. [V P n (not pron)] Sort out all your bills, receipts, invoices and expenses …   English dictionary

  • sort out — they must sort out their problems Syn: resolve, settle, solve, fix, work out, straighten out, deal with, put right, set right, rectify, iron out; answer, explain, fathom, unravel, clear up; informal sew up, hammer out, thrash out …   Thesaurus of popular words

  • sort out — {v. phr.} 1. To alphabetize; arrange in numerical order. * /The secretary helped Professor Brown sort out his numerous index cards./ 2. To clarify. * / Help me sort out these bills, she begged her husband./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • sort out — {v. phr.} 1. To alphabetize; arrange in numerical order. * /The secretary helped Professor Brown sort out his numerous index cards./ 2. To clarify. * / Help me sort out these bills, she begged her husband./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • sort\ out — v. phr. 1. To alphabetize; arrange in numerical order. The secretary helped Professor Brown sort out his numerous index cards. 2. To clarify. Help me sort out these bills, she begged her husband …   Словарь американских идиом

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