Sort Comes From the Latin for a Lot Drawn
A sort is a kind or category. The Latin root means a lot cast to decide something.
A sort is a kind or category, and *to sort* is to arrange into groups. Latin *sors* meant a lot cast to decide something, then the fate or share that fell to a person, then the class of people sharing that fate — and finally any category. Sorting things into groups is the last step of a chain that began with drawing lots. The same root gives *sorcery*, from casting lots to divine the future, and *consort*, one who shares your lot.
- A kind. *That sort of thing.*
- To arrange. *Sorting the post.*
- To fix (British). *Sorted.*
- Sorcery — the same root. *Sorcery.*
- Latin — *sors*, a lot. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | sort | A sort. |
| Verb | sort | Sorting. |
| Adjective | sorted | Sorted. |
| Related | assort | Assorted. |
| Latin | sors | A lot. |
- What sort of car is it?Kind.
- Sort them into piles.Arranging.
- Sors meant a drawn lot.Etymology.
The sors family
- Sort — a category, from a shared lot
- Sorcery — divining by casting lots
- Consort — one who shares your lot
- Assorted — arranged into sorts
- Sortition — selection by lottery, as with juries
Old French *sorte*, from Latin *sors*, a lot, fate or share.
Is sorcery related to sort?
Yes. Both come from Latin sors, a lot, with sorcery originally meaning divination by casting lots.
What is sortition?
Selection by lottery rather than election, the method used to choose juries.