classified
word · lemma: classify
Definition
Placed into a group or category based on shared features. It can also mean officially secret, especially for government or military information.
Usage & Nuances
Often used after a form of 'be': 'The files are classified.' In everyday contexts, it can mean 'organized by category'; in news, politics, and military contexts, it usually means 'secret'. Don't confuse it with 'confidential': both involve secrecy, but 'classified' is especially common for official government information.
Example Sentences
These papers are classified by date.
basic
The report is classified, so I can't show it to you.
basic
The books are classified into three groups.
basic
I can't get into details — that information is classified.
natural
Some of the old emails were still marked classified years later.
natural
Before we archive the files, make sure everything is properly classified.
natural