Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To arrange or sort items into categories or classes based on shared characteristics.
   • To supply or stock with a varied selection of goods.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To agree in kind or character; to be harmonious or match.
   • (Archaic) To associate or keep company with someone.

Usage and Examples

• Transitive Verb (to categorize):

  • The librarian will assort the new books by genre before shelving them.
  • A key task in data analysis is to assort the information into meaningful groups.

• Transitive Verb (to supply variety):

  • The store is well assorted with products for every budget.
  • Their job is to assort the gift baskets with a mix of sweets and savories.

• Intransitive Verb (to match or harmonize):

  • The new curtains assort perfectly with the room's color scheme.
  • His modern ideas do not assort with the company's traditional values.

Advanced Usage

• "to assort with" (archaic: to associate with):
  • This usage is now rare. In modern English, "associate with" is preferred.
  • He was known to assort with artists and poets. (archaic/formal)

Variants and Related Words

• Assortment (n): A collection of various kinds of things; a variety.
  • The box contained an assortment of chocolates.
• Assorted (adj): Of various sorts; miscellaneous.
  • A packet of assorted biscuits.

Synonyms

• Categorize / Classify: To arrange in categories.
• Sort: To separate and arrange according to class or kind.
• Match / Harmonize: To correspond or be in agreement.
• Stock / Supply: To provide with a variety.

Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Assort with: This construction is used with the intransitive meanings.
  • To be in harmony or agreement with something.

    • The fabric's texture assorts with the rustic decor.
  • (Archaic) To associate or consort with someone.

    • She does not assort with people of dubious character. (formal)

Related Idioms

• Well-assorted: Describing a group or collection that is well-matched or forms a good variety.
  • They are a well-assorted couple, sharing many interests.
  • The well-assorted menu offered something for everyone.

Verb

1. arrange or order by classes or categories
   • How would you classify these pottery shards--are they prehistoric?
2. keep company with; hang out with
   • He associates with strange people
   • She affiliates with her colleagues