What does "stratification" mean?
The process leading to the formation or deposition of layers, especially of sedimentary rocks.
Stratification
noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The process leading to the formation or deposition of layers, especially of sedimentary rocks.
- Grammar: stratification is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: analysis, arrange, arrangement, banding.
- Useful contrasts: blend, egalitarianism, equalization.
- Usage evidence: He has misunderstood the English excavators in regard to the stratification of Knossos. He has wrongly imagined that the West Court of Knossos and a great part of the whole west wing belonged to an earlier building, contemporary with the West Court of Phæstos, and that they were later superseded and partly covered over by a later structure, contemporary with the supposed mainland Achæan type of Megaron at Phæstos that is now proved to be no Megaron at all.
How to use "stratification"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "stratification" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "stratification" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "stratification" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "stratification" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "analysis" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The process leading to the formation or deposition of layers, especially of sedimentary rocks. countable, uncountable
"He has misunderstood the English excavators in regard to the stratification of Knossos. He has wrongly imagined that the West Court of Knossos and a great part of the whole west wing belonged to an earlier building, contemporary with the West Court of Phæstos, and that they were later superseded and partly covered over by a later structure, contemporary with the supposed mainland Achæan type of Megaron at Phæstos that is now proved to be no Megaron at all."
- 2 the placing of seeds in damp sand or sawdust or peat moss in order to preserve them or promote germination wordnet
- 3 A layering of musical texture. countable, uncountable
- 4 the act or process or arranging persons into classes or social strata wordnet
- 5 The vertical layering of vegetation in a forest. countable, uncountable
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 a layered configuration wordnet
- 7 Society's categorization of people into socioeconomic strata. countable, uncountable
- 8 forming or depositing in layers wordnet
- 9 The process of treating seeds to simulate natural conditions that the seeds must experience before germination can occur, often involving exposure to cold. countable, uncountable
- 10 the condition of being arranged in social strata or classes within a group wordnet
- 11 A classification or arrangement of things into different categories or groups. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"He has misunderstood the English excavators in regard to the stratification of Knossos. He has wrongly imagined that the West Court of Knossos and a great part of the whole west wing belonged to an earlier building, contemporary with the West Court of Phæstos, and that they were later superseded and partly covered over by a later structure, contemporary with the supposed mainland Achæan type of Megaron at Phæstos that is now proved to be no Megaron at all."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "stratification"?
Common synonyms include: analysis, arrange, arrangement, banding, bedding, caste order.
How do you use "stratification" in a sentence?
He has misunderstood the English excavators in regard to the stratification of Knossos. He has wrongly imagined that the West Court of Knossos and a great part of the whole west wing belonged to an earlier building, contemporary with the West Court of Phæstos, and that they were later superseded and partly covered over by a later structure, contemporary with the supposed mainland Achæan type of Megaron at Phæstos that is now proved to be no Megaron at all.
Etymology
From stratum + -ification.