reclassify
UK[ˌriːˈklæsɪfaɪ]US[ˌriːˈklæsɪfaɪ]
v
To put something into a different class or category.
v
To change the official classification of something.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
class
ify
re
again
class
category
ify
make
Etymology
The word 'reclassify' is a modern English formation built from classical components. The core 'class' derives from Latin 'classis', which originally referred to a summoning or division of the Roman people, later solidifying into the meaning of a rank or category. The suffix '-ify', from Latin '-ificare' (to make), is attached to create the verb 'classify', meaning to assign to a category. Finally, the prefix 're-', from Latin, meaning "again", is prefixed to indicate the action is performed anew. Thus, the literal morphemic logic "to make into a category again" perfectly captures the modern abstract meaning of changing an item's assigned group.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + class (category) + ify (make)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
class: Latin origin (via French), from 'classis', meaning a division or category. In this word, it functions as the core noun root.
ify: Latin origin (via French), a verb-forming suffix meaning "to make" or "to cause to be".
Examples
The museum decided to reclassify the artifact based on new research.
After the merger, the company will reclassify several job positions.
Scientists often reclassify species as genetic evidence evolves.