stratify
Sort into levels
To stratify is to arrange or form into layers or levels.
Rock stratifies over geological time.
Society stratifies into classes.
In research, to stratify a sample is to divide it into subgroups before selection: The study stratified participants by age and income.
Stratified systems have distinct, often hierarchical divisions—social strata, sedimentary strata, atmospheric strata.
Assign to distinct groups
- sortMethod of ordering
- groupAssembled collection of things
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- arrangePlace methodically
order · segregate · separate · divide · partition · organize · systematize · distribute
Horizontal structural layer
- echelonLevel within hierarchy
- levelHorizontal or uniform position
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- gradationIncremental transition between stages
order · structure · status · precedence · superiority · subordination · dominance · authority
Particles settling in liquid
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- shaleCompacted clay sediment
- sandstoneCemented grain sediment
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
deposition · sedimentary · fossil · outcrop · bedding · erosion · tectonics · basalt
Grouping by shared traits
- casteInherited social division
- inequalityUnequal distribution of resources
- socioeconomicRelating to income and status
- hierarchyRanked authority structure
elitism · segregation · privilege · disparity · polarization · classism · marginalization · underclass
categorize
Assign to distinct groups
arrange · order · segregate · separate · divide · partition · organize · systematize · distribute · allocate
tier
Horizontal structural layer
gradation · order · structure · status · precedence · superiority · subordination · dominance · authority · pecking order
sediment
Particles settling in liquid
limestone · deposition · sedimentary · fossil · outcrop · bedding · erosion · tectonics · basalt · granite
class
Grouping by shared traits
- casteInherited social division
- inequalityUnequal distribution of resources
- socioeconomicRelating to income and status
hierarchy · elitism · segregation · privilege · disparity · polarization · classism · marginalization · underclass · mobility
laminate
Bond thin layers together
membrane · overlay · ply · sheet · substrate · lamination · cladding · lining · surface · stacking
stratifyequalize
Make uniform or balanced
level · democratize · flatten · integrate · unify
stratifyhomogenize
Make uniformly consistent
unify · standardize · equalize · even out · smooth
- ocean stratificationSea divided by density
- lake stratificationTemperature-based water layering
- stratified societyPopulation organized by rank
- social stratificationSociety's hierarchical layering