orderly
Americanadjective
-
arranged or disposed in a neat, tidy manner or in a regular sequence.
an orderly desk.
- Antonyms:
- haphazard, disorderly, chaotic
-
observant of or governed by system or method, as persons or the mind.
-
characterized by or observant of law, rule, or discipline; well-behaved; law-abiding.
an orderly assemblage of citizens.
-
pertaining to or charged with the communication or execution of orders.
adverb
-
methodically; regularly.
-
according to established order or rule.
noun
plural
orderlies-
Military. an enlisted soldier assigned to perform various chores for a commanding officer or group of officers.
-
a hospital attendant having general, nonmedical duties.
adjective
-
in order, properly arranged, or tidy
-
obeying or appreciating method, system, and arrangement
-
harmonious or peaceful
-
military of or relating to orders
an orderly book
adverb
noun
-
med a male hospital attendant
-
military a junior rank detailed to carry orders or perform minor tasks for a more senior officer
Related Words
Orderly, methodical, systematic characterize that which is neat, in order, and planned. These three words are sometimes used interchangeably. However, orderly emphasizes neatness of arrangement: an orderly array of books. Methodical suggests a logical plan, a definite order of actions or method from beginning to end: a methodical examination. Systematic suggests thoroughness, an extensive and detailed plan, together with regularity of action: a systematic review.
Other Word Forms
- orderliness noun
- unorderly adjective
Etymology
Origin of orderly
First recorded in 1470–80 as adverb; 1570–80 as adjective; 1795–1805 as noun; order + -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tennis Australia said it had started an internal and external search for a new chief executive and it looked forward to an "orderly transition".
From Barron's
Still, even amid the devastation, he said, everyone was calm, orderly and friendly.
From Los Angeles Times
An orderly transition would require assistance from the rank and file.
This makes gold’s recent moves more of an orderly consolidation rather than a sign of structural weakness, Winmill said.
From MarketWatch
It will be more orderly and less chaotic, less driven by impulse and vendetta, more discriminating between allies and adversaries.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
