In E–R terminology, entities of a given type are grouped into what?

Introduction / Context:
E–R modeling distinguishes between individual occurrences and the set that contains all occurrences of a type. Using the correct term helps during analysis and documentation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are asked for the collective grouping of same-type entities.
• We are operating at the conceptual modeling level.

Concept / Approach:
An entity class (also called an entity set) is the collection of all entity instances of a given type. It is not the database (the whole system), not an attribute (a property), and not the diagram itself (ERD).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks often use “entity set” interchangeably with “entity class,” both referring to the grouping of instances.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Database is the entire data store.
• Attribute is a property, not a grouping.
• ERD is a diagram artifact, not a collection of instances.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing entity class with table implementation; while often mapped one-to-one, the conceptual term is independent of physical storage.

Final Answer:
entity class