order

/ˈɔːr.dɚ/
arrangement or command

The teacher gave the class strict orders to stay silent during the exam.

The teacher commanded the students to remain quiet during the test.


general

A state in which everything is in its correct or appropriate place.

The books on the shelf are in perfect order.

The books on the shelf are neatly arranged.

Often used to describe tidiness or systematic arrangement.

general

A command or instruction given with authority.

The general issued an order to advance.

The general commanded the troops to move forward.

Commonly used in military, legal, or formal contexts.

Business

A request for goods or services.

She placed an order for a new laptop online.

She requested a new laptop through an online purchase.

In business, refers to a formal request to purchase something.

sociology

A social or political system in which authority is maintained.

The country struggled to maintain law and order.

The country faced difficulties preserving legal authority and stability.

Often used in discussions about governance and stability.

general

A religious or fraternal group with a shared purpose.

He joined a monastic order after years of study.

He became part of a religious community dedicated to spiritual life.

Commonly refers to groups like monks, knights, or professional associations.

Collocations

in orderproperly arranged or functioningout of ordernot working correctly or improperlyorder of the daysomething currently important or relevantin short orderquickly or without delayorder upto request or prepare something

Related Phrases

in order tophrase
for the purpose of
on orderphrase
requested but not yet received

Pro Tip

Distinguishing 'order' as a noun vs. verb

As a noun, 'order' often refers to arrangement, command, or request. As a verb, it means to arrange, command, or request. Context determines the part of speech.

Gold Rule

Context determines meaning

The word 'order' has multiple meanings. Always check the surrounding text to understand whether it refers to arrangement, authority, requests, or another sense.

Word Origin

From Old English 'ordor' (row, series), via Latin 'ordo' (row, line, series), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European '*ar-'(to fit together). The sense of 'command' emerged in Middle English, influenced by Old French 'ordre'.

Usage Notes

The word 'order' has multiple senses across different contexts, from physical arrangement to authority and requests. Pay attention to the context to determine the intended meaning.

Word Breakdown

order
root
root
English Dictionary