Orderly
/ˈɔːrdərli/
Definitions
2 meaningsFollowing a system or plan; well-organized; disciplined.
/ˈɔːrdərli/
Arranged or behaving in a structured and organized way.
The students formed an orderly line to enter the school.
💡 Simply: Imagine your room is super messy, then you clean it up and everything has a place! When things are in their place and well-behaved, they are orderly.
👶 For kids: If things are orderly, it means everything is in the right place and neat.
More Examples
The police ensured the crowd remained orderly during the protest.
The orderly conduct of the experiment allowed for accurate results.
How It's Used
"The librarian maintained an orderly arrangement of the books."
"The soldiers marched in an orderly fashion."
"The nurse kept the patient's chart in an orderly manner."
A person who performs routine tasks, especially in a hospital.
/ˈɔːrdərli/
The orderly cleaned the patient's room.
💡 Simply: A person who helps in a hospital with simple tasks, like helping patients or keeping things neat.
👶 For kids: An orderly is someone who helps in a hospital.
More Examples
The orderly brought the patient their meals.
The orderly helped move the patient to the recovery room.
How It's Used
"The orderly assisted the nurses with patient care."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
in an orderly fashion
In a structured and systematic manner.
"The evacuation was conducted in an orderly fashion."
From Middle English 'ordirli', from 'order' + '-ly'. The word has been used to describe aspects of organization and behavior, initially referring to following rules and arrangements.
Historically, 'orderly' has been used to describe a range of organizational aspects, from formal military behavior to the general arrangement of things. Its core meaning has remained consistent.
Memory tip
Think of a military parade. Orderly means everything is lined up and in its place.