verb (used with object)
- to distribute, place, or arrange according to kind or class; classify; sort.
- to furnish with a suitable assortment or variety of goods; make up of articles likely to suit a demand.
- Archaic. to group with others of the same or similar kind; connect or identify as of a similar class; associate (usually followed by with).
verb (used without object)
- to agree in sort or kind; be matched or suited.
- to associate; consort.
verb
- (tr) to arrange or distribute into groups of the same type; classify
- (intr usually foll by with) to fit or fall into a class or group; match
- (tr) to supply with an assortment of merchandise
- (tr) to put in the same category as others; group
- (intr usually foll by with) rare to keep company; consort
late 15c., “to distribute into groups,” from Middle French assortir (15c.), from Old French assorter “to assort, match,” from a- “to” (see ad-) + sorte “kind” (see sort). Related: Assorted; assorting.