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orderly

 - 5 dictionary results

or⋅der⋅ly

  [awr-der-lee] adjective, adverb, noun, plural -lies.
Use orderly in a Sentence
–adjective
1. arranged or disposed in a neat, tidy manner or in a regular sequence: an orderly desk.
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.
–adverb
5. methodically; regularly.
6. according to established order or rule.
–noun
7. Military. an enlisted soldier assigned to perform various chores for a commanding officer or group of officers.
8. a hospital attendant having general, nonmedical duties.
Origin:
1470–80 as adv.; 1570–80 as adj.; 1795–1805 as n.; order + -ly

Related forms:
or⋅der⋅li⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1,2. 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.

Antonyms:
1. chaotic, disorderly, haphazard.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To orderly
or·der·ly   (ôr'dər-lē)   
adj.  

    1. Free from disorder; neat: an orderly room.

    2. Having a systematic arrangement: an orderly universe.

  2. Marked by or adhering to method or system: orderly in the upkeep of his rooms.

  3. Devoid of violence or disruption; peaceful: an orderly transition of governments.

n.   pl. or·der·lies

  1. An attendant who does routine, nonmedical work in a hospital.

  2. A soldier assigned to attend and perform various tasks for a superior officer.

adv.  Systematically; regularly.
or'der·li·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean proceeding in or observant of a prescribed pattern or arrangement. Orderly especially implies correct or customary procedure or proper or harmonious arrangement: an orderly evacuation of the burning building; orderly and symmetrical rows.
Methodical stresses adherence to a logically and carefully planned succession of steps: methodical instructions for assembly.
Systematic emphasizes observance of a coordinated and orderly set of procedures constituting part of a complex but unitary whole: systematic research into antigens to combat immune disorders.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

orderly  (adv.)
1477, "in due order," from order (q.v.). As a noun meaning "military attendant who carries orders" it is first attested 1781 (short for orderly corporal, etc.). Extended 1809 to an attendant at a hospital (originally a military hospital) charged with keeping things in order and clean.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: or·der·ly
Pronunciation: -lE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -lies
: a hospital attendant who doesroutine or heavy work (as cleaning, carrying supplies, or moving patients)
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

orderly or·der·ly (ôr'dər-lē)
n.
An attendant in a hospital.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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