orderly

American  

[awr-der-lee] / ˈɔr dər li /

adjective

1. arranged or disposed in a neat, tidy manner or in a regular sequence.

   an orderly desk.

   Antonyms:

   haphazard, disorderly, chaotic

2. observant of or governed by system or method, as persons or the mind.

3. characterized by or observant of law, rule, or discipline; well-behaved; law-abiding.

   an orderly assemblage of citizens.

4. pertaining to or charged with the communication or execution of orders.

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adverb

1. methodically; regularly.

2. according to established order or rule.

noun

plural

orderlies

1. Military. an enlisted soldier assigned to perform various chores for a commanding officer or group of officers.

2. a hospital attendant having general, nonmedical duties.

orderly British  

/ ˈɔːdəlɪ /

adjective

1. in order, properly arranged, or tidy

2. obeying or appreciating method, system, and arrangement

3. harmonious or peaceful

4. military of or relating to orders

   an orderly book

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adverb

1. rare according to custom or rule

noun

1. med a male hospital attendant

2. 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

They would have to embark last—eliminating the phonies who game the system to sit near the front, facilitating an orderly exit.

From The Wall Street Journal

But reviving production will take a relatively orderly transition and significant investment, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The one problem with the investment business is that things don’t come along in an orderly fashion,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead, he embraced the manly duty of the “great civilized nations of the present day” to ensure that the countries of the Western Hemisphere remain “stable, orderly, and prosperous.”

From Salon

This happens because of a topological property of PtBi2 that arises from how electrons interact with the material's orderly atomic structure.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• businesslike
• formal
• neat
• precise
• regulated
• scientific
• systematic
• thorough
• tidy