ordinate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ordinate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb, meaning "to arrange systematically in a ranked order, as in a hierarchy or scale," or as a noun meaning "an item in a series, especially one in a hierarchy or scale." For example: "The biologist ordinated the specimens into a taxonomic classification."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He could co-ordinate an overdue marketing effort to boost awareness of libraries among the public.

The Guardian - Books

It is chaired by the prime minister and designed to co-ordinate the work of the three Whitehall departments responsible for foreign affairs – the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development.

The Guardian

The findings: The report reveals a series of failings in the care of Michael Stone by the health, social services and probation authorities: · Frequent failure to share information, co-ordinate risk assessment and management programmes.

The Guardian

Shell's business has benefited from the ability to access markets across the EU and co-ordinate operations across member states, for example, linking our business service centres in Glasgow and Warsaw".

The Guardian

McCain, however, said Washington needed to revamp its two-month-old "pinprick" aerial bombing campaign by deploying special forces to improve targeting and to co-ordinate with Kurdish and Iraqi allies.

The Guardian

Despite being lavishly rewarded for living in a nation's capital city, Capello again appears under no compunction to oversee the development of young talent and co-ordinate a long-term strategy for Russia's football development.

The Guardian - Sport

In response, in 2007, the municipality formulated the Greater Mumbai disaster management action plan, which identified the risks and vulnerabilities the city could face, including floods, earthquakes and cyclones; it also formed the Disaster Management Cell to co-ordinate relief and rescue efforts, and widened and deepened the Mithi River, which drains into the Arabian Sea.

The Guardian

So long as agencies do not co-ordinate their activity, the answer must be yes".

The Guardian

Closing down mobile phone services is thought to have reduced the insurgents' ability to co-ordinate attacks, but it has also had unintended deadly consequences.

The Guardian

Al-Qaida (usually translated as "the base") was founded – in Pakistan towards the end of the war in Afghanistan against the Soviets – to channel and co-ordinate the dispersed efforts of these movements into a single campaign.

The Guardian

O'Keefe also guessed that one day somebody would find evidence for a grid-like co-ordinate system in the brain that the place cells were using to chart space.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ordinate", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to arranging items in a specific order or using it in a more specialized mathematical or technical sense.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinate" in contexts where simpler words like "arrange" or "organize" would suffice, especially in general writing. It's most appropriate in technical or formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ordinate" is as a transitive verb to describe the act of arranging or classifying something systematically. It can also function as a noun, particularly in mathematics, referring to the y-coordinate. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "ordinate" functions as both a verb and a noun, primarily used to describe the act of arranging items systematically or to refer to a specific coordinate in mathematics. While grammatically correct, it is relatively uncommon in general usage, tending to appear more frequently in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Consider using simpler alternatives like "arrange" or "classify" in less formal settings to ensure clarity and accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrange

Focuses on the action of putting things in a specific order.

organize

Emphasizes the systemic structuring of elements.

classify

Highlights the act of categorizing into groups.

categorize

Similar to classify, focusing on placing items into defined categories.

rank

Specifies the act of placing in a hierarchical order.

order

General term for putting things into a sequence.

systematize

Focuses on creating a system for arrangement.

structure

Emphasizes the architectural arrangement of elements.

sequence

Highlights the arrangement in a specific order or series.

establish

Emphasizes setting up a structure or order.

FAQs

How to use "ordinate" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinate" to describe the act of arranging items in a specific order or rank. For example, "The researcher needed to ordinate the data points based on their significance".

What can I say instead of "ordinate"?

You can use alternatives like "arrange", "organize", or "classify" depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

Which is correct, "ordinate" or "coordinate"?

"Ordinate" and "coordinate" have distinct meanings. "Ordinate" refers to placing in order or rank, while "coordinate" means to bring into a common action, movement, or condition. Therefore, the correct choice depends entirely on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "ordinate" and "order"?

"Order" is a more general term for putting things into a sequence, while "ordinate" implies a more formal or systematic arrangement, often with a hierarchical structure. "Order" is more versatile, while "ordinate" is suited for technical or specific contexts.