Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To arrange or form into layers or strata: The primary meaning refers to the process of arranging something in distinct horizontal layers, often seen in geology or agriculture.
   • To divide into distinct social classes or groups: Used in sociology and statistics to describe the division of a population into hierarchical groups based on factors like income, education, or status.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become arranged in layers or strata: Describes the natural process by which materials form layers over time.
   • To develop different social levels or classes: Describes the process by which a society becomes divided into hierarchical groups.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (transitive):
  • Geologists study how sediments stratify over millennia. (Geologists study how sediments form layers over millennia.)
  • The researcher will stratify the survey data by age and income level. (The researcher will divide the survey data into groups by age and income level.)
• Verb (intransitive):
  • Over centuries, the organic matter will stratify, forming distinct soil layers. (Over centuries, the organic matter will form distinct layers, creating different soil strata.)
  • Societies often stratify when economic inequalities become entrenched. (Societies often develop class divisions when economic inequalities become entrenched.)

Advanced Usage

• "Stratified sampling" (Statistical Term): A method where a population is divided into subgroups (strata) and random samples are taken from each stratum.
  • Using stratified sampling ensures all demographic groups are proportionally represented in the poll.
• "Stratified rock" (Geological Term): Rock that is formed in or arranged into layers.
  • The canyon walls revealed beautifully stratified rock formations.

Variants and Related Words

• Stratification (n): The process or result of arranging or being arranged into strata or social classes.
  • Social stratification is a key concept in sociology.
• Stratum (n): A layer or a series of layers of rock, soil, or social class.
  • The artifact was found in the lowest stratum of the dig site.
• Stratified (adj): Arranged in layers or divided into strata.
  • The sample was taken from a stratified aquifer.

Synonyms

• Layer: To arrange in layers.
• Grade: To arrange in steps or degrees.
• Categorize: To place into a category or class.
• Classify: To arrange in classes or categories.

Related Phrases

• To stratify society: To cause a society to become divided into social classes.
  • Policies that concentrate wealth can stratify society.
• To be stratified by: To be divided or layered according to a specific criterion.
  • The data is stratified by geographic region.

Verb

1. render fertile and preserve by placing between layers of earth or sand
   • stratify seeds
2. form, arrange, or deposit in layers
   • The fish are stratified in barrels
   • The rock was stratified by the force of the water
   • A statistician stratifies the list of names according to the addresses
3. develop different social levels, classes, or castes
   • Society stratifies when the income gap widens
4. form layers or strata
   • The rock stratifies
5. divide society into social classes or castes
   • Income distribution often stratifies a society