grouping

UK: ˈɡruːpɪŋ | US: ˈɡrupɪŋ

Definition

  1. n. the act or process of forming groups

  2. n. a set of people or things assembled together

  3. n. (music) a phrase or section of a composition

Structure
group <cluster, from Italian "gruppo">ing <noun suffix indicating action or result>
Etymology

The word "grouping" derives from the Italian "gruppo," meaning a cluster or knot, which entered English via French "groupe" in the 17th century. The suffix "-ing" transforms the verb "group" into a noun, denoting the action or result of assembling items or people. The term reflects the logical progression from physical clustering (e.g., art groups) to abstract categorizations (e.g., data grouping).

Examples

  1. The teacher emphasized the importance of grouping similar ideas together.

  2. The painting shows a striking grouping of colors and shapes.

  3. In music theory, irregular grouping creates rhythmic interest.

  4. The software allows automatic grouping of files by date.

  5. Wildlife researchers observed the natural grouping behavior of elephants.