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classifier

classifier

9.3
A word used with numbers to show the type of thing, like flat or long
  • noun
  • /ˈklæsɪfaɪər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : clasificador
  • Japanese uses a classifier system where different words indicate various categories, like animals or furniture.

Examples

  • In Mandarin, a classifier is used when counting objects, such as saying 'three pieces of paper'.

  • Age categories as temporal classifiers are evident in the candle-lighting (VI) and chair-lifting (VIII) at Amir's party.

    Academic text (1991)
  • These celebrations adumbrate age categories as numerical classifiers that signify time.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The classifier 'pair' is commonly used to refer to two items used together, like socks or shoes.

Compounds

6.2

A simple method that uses chance to put items into groups, assuming each detail acts alone

6.8

A model that gives the chance of each possible class for an input, for example whether an email is spam

Surface Forms

classifier singular
classifiers plural

Morphology

classifier = classify (transparent) = class + ify + er

Formed by 'classify' + '-er' to name something that performs the action of classifying, here used for a morpheme that classifies nouns.

Etymology

The word classifier comes from class meaning 'group' and the ending -er meaning 'one that shows', so a helpful way to remember the grammar use is to think of a small word that 'shows the group' of a noun. In languages like Mandarin and Japanese, a classifier is that small word used when you count things to show their category.