# stratified

/ˈstɹætəˌfaɪd/ (US) · /stɹˈætɪfˌaɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stratified
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

divided into different layers or groups based on things like wealth, age, or social class. You use this to describe a society or group where people are not all the same.

For teachers: divided into distinct layers or strata, typically based on social, economic, or educational status. Often describes a hierarchical structure where mobility between levels is limited.

## Examples

- The city has a highly stratified society.
- In a stratified society, access to high-quality education is often determined by the wealth of the family you were born into.
- The researcher noted that the population was highly stratified, with clear boundaries between the working class and the professional elite that prevented social integration.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.