为了让阅读者能高效且有效地理解并吸收本篇文字,咱们预先设定阅读背景三条,以谋求共识。具体内容如下:
1、近义词辨析是基于他们的交集意思进行辨析,而非他们的其他不相关意思。
2、近义辨析很难,尤其是跨语言的近义辨析。因为翻译就是一个信息衰减的过程,所以请阅读者在进行近义辨析时,多结合生活中的实际场景去思考、体会和理解。
3、近义词辨析不仅能学习到相关词汇知识,而且在辨析过程中,也是对其他相关知识的一种梳理、重构和查缺补漏。
言归正传,今天的主题是【Type, Class, Category】之间的联系与差异。
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想要区分【Type, Class, Category】这几个单词之间的差异,就得先设定一些参考基准线,而这几个单词之间的差异就围绕这些基准线展开。只有这样,我们才能察觉出他们之间的细微差异。
一般来说,各位看官需要先阅读下述的基本概念,再通过数个例句营造的语境来体会、理解词汇的核心意思,最后再通过差异对比才能真正理解词汇之间的细微不同。
当然,如果你觉得这些内容都没必要,则可以跳到本篇的最后小节,直接阅读词汇之间的差异对比。
一、基本概念
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由于【Type, Class, Category】 这几个词的意思非常相近,为了避免混淆,故在本篇文字中,他们基本上都没做翻译,保持英语原貌。如果非要在汉语中,找几个对应的词,那最有可能入选的应该是类型、类目、类别。
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本篇文字的结构,与以往不同。我们预先设定一个假设前提:假设我们身边的所有事物还未分门别类,而我们正好接到一个任务,就是将所有事物进行分门别类。下面是工作思路和主要过程。
一、为什么分门别类?
为了简化事物,方便查询、分析、理解和研究等;同时还能形成体系和共识,便于知识传递和迭代。
二、如何分门别类?
首先,将相关事物(按共性)划分为大类,便于人们了解他们的普遍共通之处;然后,在大类的基础框架之下,再进一步通过类型化(按个性),将大类细分为子类。这种个性化分类,可以突显出事物之间的差异和不同。另外,根据实际需要,事物的此类细化工作可以继续,也可以停止。
换句话说,就是先对相关事物进行【categorize】,再对已经处在【category or categories 】下的事物进行【type,动词】。如果完成【type】之后,还想将相关事物进一步细分,并形成体系,则可引入【class】进行【classify】,最后形成【classification system】。
在大多数情况下,这个【classification system】体系具备树状层级结构,且能体现出事物之间的关联关系。
一般来说,这个体系还有两个外显特征,第一,由于实体中的某些共有或内在特征自带优劣或高下属性,间接导致【classification system】体系内的各个层级也表现出了等级或高下;
第二,能基于实体的关联关系,建立起树状层级结构,那说明这个体系具有一定的专业性,由专业性又衍生出了一定社会范围内的共识性,及相对客观性。
三、分门别类的典型实例
1、图书类别(Book categorization)
处于几个类别(categories)之下的图书,可以再细分为不同类型(genres),甚至再细化到(subgenres)
At the top level, books are categorized as either Fiction or Nonfiction. Within these categories are many genres and subgenres determined by literary technique, tone, themes, and content.
In the world of publishing, a genre is a group of books that share similar elements, appealing to the same group of readers.
A subgenre defines a book even further by identifying the subplots, subtopics, setting, or secondary themes that are present.
2、生物类别体系(Taxonomic Hierarchy)
Carolus Linnaeus also developed a classification system called the taxonomic hierarchy, which today has eight ranks from general to specific: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
Taxonomy involves studying living organisms such as animals, plants, microorganisms, and humans to classify them in different categories to study further and identify.
For instance, humans and whales are two unrelated organisms from different perspectives; however, both are considered mammals and taxonomically related.
3、社会阶层
Social class refers to a group of people who have a similar socio-economic status, typically determined by factors such as wealth, education, and occupation.
Understanding the types of social classes—upper, middle, and working—gives us valuable insights into the economic conditions and social opportunities that shape our society. 社会阶层(主要以社会和经济地位为分类标准)
4、座舱等级
When it comes to air travel, there are generally four types of flight classes that passengers can choose from.
The four types of flight classes – economy, premium economy, business, and first class – offer different levels of comfort, amenities, and services to cater to the diverse preferences of travelers.
四、分门别类之后的效果
1、对群体事物进行类别【Category】划分,实现了简化事物的目的,方便了查询和理解。如:图书类别等。

2、引入【Class】,将群体事物进一步体系化,则实现了事物之间的关系化,层次化、结构化和系统化的目的,方便了深入观察、分析和研究。如:生物类别体系,社会阶层,座舱等级等。
3、并不是每一个类别【Category】都需要进一步细分为【Classes】。
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While many categories can be further subdivided into classes, some may be too broad or general for meaningful subclassification in certain contexts.
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Not every category has a class.
4、根据分类角度或规则的不同,一个实体可以被划分到多个类别【Categories】中,以及不同的类目【classes】中。
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An entity can belong to multiple categories and can be classified into different classes based on the criteria or context.
5、不管什么类别体系,其结构和内容都是动态的,不断变化的。因为社会标准、科学发展,或设定规则等,都可能随着时间而不断变化。
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一、比较或对比的分析过程最好是直抵核心,差异突出、细节丰富。但实际应用的逻辑则是越精简越好,所以最后的总结只有一条应用逻辑,但细分为如下几点:
1、【Category】,一般来说,应用于非正式语境中的事物分类,强调事物的大类。
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‘Insects’ is a class within the category of ‘animals’.
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The class of ‘luxury cars’ denotes high status within the vehicle category.
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Within the beverage category, tea types like green, black, and herbal are distinguished by processing and flavor.
2、【Class】,一般来说,应用于正式语境中的事物分类,强调事物的类别体系,以及事物之间的关系化,层次化、结构化和系统化。
另外,这类体系还有两个外显特征,第一,由于实体中的某些共有或内在特征自带优劣或高下属性,间接导致【classification system】体系内的各个层级也表现出了等级或高下;
第二,能基于实体的关联关系,建立起树状层级结构,那说明这个体系具有一定的专业性,由专业性又衍生出了一定社会范围内的共识性,及相对客观性。
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The class system in medieval society was strictly defined by birth and occupation.
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The class of ‘first-class’ in airlines offers specific amenities.
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Have you passed a test for this class of vehicle? 这一类车辆
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He’s not in the same class as her at tennis. 他们的水平不在一个级别上
3、【Type】,是一个或一组实体共同拥有的自然属性或内在特征的集合,是一种人们动态,随机产生的一种分类想法,一般来说,没有类型体系,甚至没有固定的类型名称。强调事物之间的差异或不同。
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Aircraft category may refer to three types of categories. 航空器的类别体系,经常是指三种不同的类别(这三个类别的内在特征不同)
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When it comes to air travel, there are generally four types of flight classes that passengers can choose from.
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There are two basic sorts of types: first, a group of similar things. The second type of type consists of letters, numbers, or symbols that are printed or shown on a computer screen. 【type这个词的意思】的第二个类型
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Categorizing expenses by type helped them better understand their spending patterns. 以(不同的)特征集为维度,对费用进行类别区分,有助于他们更好的了解他们自己的支出模式
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In her thesis, she classified the types of social networks to analyze their impact on communication.
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I am not the type of person who gives up easily. 强调差异性,强调此类事物,与其他的不同
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Have you done this type of work before? 强调这一类型,不同于其他类型
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She mixes with all types of people. 强调各种各样的人
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She’s not my type. 不是我喜欢的类型
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He’s not the type to be unfaithful. 不是那种不忠的人(会出轨的人)
4、用相似例句对比三者
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This category of products is characterized by eco-friendly materials. 这类产品的特征是使用环保材料(强调产品的大类别)
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This class of drugs is characterized by its effect on neurotransmitters. 这类药物的特征是对神经递质的作用(强调这个分类只是药品类别体系中的一个,而且这种类别体系具有共识性和正式性)
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This type of animal is characterized by its ability to fly. 这类动物的特征是会飞(强调飞行能力是他们的内在特征)
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The majority of the women belonged in the lower-working class category.
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Understanding the various types of categories—hierarchical, descriptive, functional, and contextual—can greatly enhance the organization and usability of information across multiple domains.
Each category type offers unique advantages that can be leveraged for better decision-making, improved user experiences, and increased efficiency.
5、在一个类别体系内部,有可能【Class】碰巧正好是【Category】的子集,而【Type】恰好又是整个类别体系中的最明细类,或最低层类,或最特定的类。
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Aircraft category may refer to three types of categories: Pilot Certification Category, Aircraft Certification Category, and Aircraft Approach Category.
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A category of aircraft is an overarching classification of aircraft. Some categories are further broken down into a ‘class.’ Classes are a way to further distinguish between types of aircraft. Not every category has a class. 航空器的一个类别,就是航空器的一个总体分类。一些类别可以被进一步划分为一个类目体系(多个类目)。类目体系(多个类目)是进一步区分各种航空器类型的一种方式
6、文字总是抽象,图片一目了然