Adjourned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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adjourned
[əˈdʒɜrn ]
Definition
formal meetings
To adjourn means to temporarily suspend or end a meeting, session, or proceeding. This term is often used in legal and parliamentary contexts to signal the conclusion of discussions or activities until a later time. An adjournment may occur for various reasons, such as the need for additional deliberation or to allow participants to gather further information. After being adjourned, a gathering may reconvene at a specified date or time. This process ensures that meetings can be structured and organized efficiently.
Synonyms
conclude, pause, suspend, terminate.
Examples of usage
- The committee decided to adjourn the meeting until next week.
- After several hours of discussion, the session was adjourned for lunch.
- The judge adjourned the court proceedings until the following day.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal contexts, a judge can 'adjourn' court sessions, usually to allow time for gathering evidence or for legal counsel.
- When legislative sessions adjourn, they indicate a formal end to discussions, often rescheduling matters for later dates.
- Adjournment can also occur in trials if unexpected issues arise, providing time for resolution without prejudicing fairness.
Meetings
- In business environments, a meeting is often adjourned to allow participants to return with more information or after lunch breaks.
- The phrase 'meeting adjourned' indicates that discussions have reached a conclusion, often signaling a collective agreement.
- Some teams use scheduled adjournments to promote productivity, ensuring meetings remain focused and timely.
History
- Parliamentary procedures have included rules for adjournment since the medieval period, regulating how sessions are controlled.
- Historical documents highlight how early American congresses frequently used adjournments to manage debates over contentious issues.
- The practice of adjourning sessions became more formalized with the establishment of the U.S. Constitution, which outlined legislative sessions.
Cultural Aspects
- In some cultures, it’s customary to adjourn meetings after rituals or meals, emphasizing respect for participants’ time and well-being.
- Celebrations, such as weddings, often adjourn when a significant event happens, creating a pause to honor traditions before continuing festivities.
- In community events, adjournments allow for reflection, often followed by social interactions that strengthen relationships.
Origin of 'adjourned'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from Old French 'ajourner', meaning 'to put off to a day', showing how it indicates postponement.
- In Latin, 'ad' means 'to' and 'diurnus' means 'day', reflecting the idea of moving something to a later day.
- The term has been in English since the late 14th century, evolving from its meanings related to time management.
The term 'adjourn' originates from the Middle English word 'ajournen' meaning 'to put off to another day' or 'to postpone.' This word itself is derived from the Old French 'ajourner' which combines 'a' (to) and 'jour' (day), indicating a postponement until another day. The usage of 'adjourn' in legal and formal contexts can be traced back to the medieval period when court sessions and legislative meetings would often require breaks or rescheduling. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various forms of suspension or conclusion in both formal and informal settings. Today, 'adjourn' is widely recognized and utilized in both everyday language and official documentation.