organize
gb/ˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz/ us/ˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz/
A2
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Arrange things in a systematic way
To put things in order so they are easy to find or use.
Usage pattern:
to organize [things/tasks] [in/by/into something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'organize' with 'decorate'; 'organize' is about order, not making something look pretty.
Synonyms
arrange (Slightly broader; can also imply aesthetic placement rather than just order.)
Antonyms
disorganize (Means to make something messy or without order.)
Collocations
organize a meeting
|organize files
|organize your schedule
|organize the room
Themes
daily life
|work
|planning
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I need to organize my desk before starting work.
- She organized the books by author and genre.
- We should organize our notes for the presentation.
Learner examples
- I will organize my clothes.
- He wants to organize his desk.
- We organize the chairs in a line.
Verb
A2
action
2
Plan and arrange an event
To plan and prepare everything for an event or activity.
Usage pattern:
to organize [an event/activity/trip]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'make' instead of 'organize' when talking about events; 'make' is less precise here.
Synonyms
plan (Focuses more on deciding in advance; may not include physical arrangement.)
Antonyms
cancel (Opposite in terms of event planning; means not to proceed with the event.)
Collocations
organize a party
|organize a conference
|organize a trip
Themes
events
|work
|planning
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They organized a charity concert for the local hospital.
- We are organizing a team-building workshop next month.
- She organized a surprise birthday party for her friend.
Learner examples
- I will organize a picnic.
- They want to organize a meeting.
- She will organize a trip to the city.
Verb
B1
action
3
Form a group for a purpose
To make people work together as a group for something.
Usage pattern:
to organize [people/group] [for/purpose]
Synonyms
mobilize (Often used for preparing people for action, especially in political or military contexts.)
Antonyms
scatter (Means to disperse people so they are no longer in a group.)
Collocations
organize volunteers
|organize a team
|organize workers
Themes
work
|politics
|social
|relationships
Examples
- The activists organized local residents to clean up the park.
- She organized the employees into project teams.
- They organized volunteers to help with the relief effort.
Learner examples
- We will organize a team.
- They want to organize the workers.
- She will organize volunteers to help.
Verb
B1
action
4
Arrange thoughts or work clearly
To make your ideas or work clear and ordered.
Usage pattern:
to organize [ideas/information/thoughts]
Synonyms
structure (Emphasizes creating a framework or logical order for content.)
Antonyms
jumble (Refers to mixing ideas without order.)
Collocations
organize your thoughts
|organize information
|organize notes
Themes
learning
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Before you write, take some time to organize your ideas.
- He organized his notes before the lecture began.
- I need to organize my thoughts before answering.
Learner examples
- I will organize my ideas.
- She wants to organize her notes.
- They try to organize their thoughts.
Grammar
Dictionary form
organize
IPA
GB/ˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz/
US/ˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
or - gan - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (or)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: organize
- Variant Spelling: organise
- 3rd Person Singular: organizes
- Present Participle: organizing
- Past: organized
Word family
Forms
Core family
organization
noun A2
organizer
noun B1
Related words
reorganize
verb B2
reorganization
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
disorganized
adjective
disorganization
noun
Advanced or less common
organizational
adjective B2
Highlights
- Spelling Variant: organise Verb
Expressions
organize around [something]
1/ˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz ɚˈaʊnd sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Structure plans with focus point
To plan things so that one main thing is the center of attention or purpose.
Examples
- The festival is organized around local traditions.
- Our project is organized around customer needs.
organize yourself
1/ˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz jʊɹsˈɛlf/
fixed phrase
Manage your own time and work well
To plan your own work and time so that you can do things well and on time.
Examples
- You need to organize yourself if you want to meet the deadline.
- She learned how to organize herself better after missing several appointments.
well-organized
1/wˈɛl ˈɔɹɡənˌaɪzd/
fixed phrase
Arranged effectively and neatly
Having everything in the right place and easy to find or use.
Examples
- The office is clean and well-organized.
- He is a well-organized manager who always meets deadlines.