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classified

adj. · n.
US //ˈkɫæsəˌfaɪd// UK //klˈæsɪfˌaɪd// clas·si·fied
  1. 1 secret information (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    official information that is secret and only certain people are allowed to see.

    formally designated by a government or organization as sensitive, requiring specific security clearance for access.

    Example

    The general refused to answer questions about the classified documents.

    Example

    The whistleblower was charged with leaking classified intelligence that the government claimed would jeopardize national security if made public.

    Usage

    Often used with nouns like 'information', 'documents', or 'files'.
  2. 2 sorted into groups (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    arranged or organized into different groups or classes.

    arranged into specific categories or classes based on shared characteristics.

    Example

    The library has books classified by subject so they are easy to find.

    Example

    The biological specimens were classified according to their genetic markers rather than their physical appearance.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'by' or 'as'.
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  1. 3 small advertisements (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    small advertisements in a newspaper or website, usually organized by what is being sold.

    small advertisements in a periodical or digital platform, typically grouped by category such as jobs, housing, or services.

    Example

    I looked through the classifieds to see if anyone was selling a used bike.

    Example

    Before the rise of dedicated online marketplaces, local newspapers relied heavily on the revenue generated by the classifieds section.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the plural form 'classifieds'.
Etymology 1

From classify + -ed.

Etymology 2

From classified advertisement, by shortening.

Word family

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