Adjournment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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adjournment
[əˈdʒɜːnmənt ]
Definition
legal proceedings
The act of postponing a meeting or trial to a later time or date.
Synonyms
delay, postponement, suspension.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adjournment |
Often used in legal, formal, or official settings when a meeting or session is temporarily paused and planned to resume at a later time.
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| postponement |
Used to indicate that an event or action is rescheduled to a later time or date, often because of unforeseen circumstances or planning issues.
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| delay |
Used in everyday language to describe any situation where something is taking longer than expected, leading to it happening later than planned. This word often carries a negative connotation.
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| suspension |
Commonly used when something is temporarily stopped, often due to a violation or while awaiting a decision. This word can have a negative or neutral connotation depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- The judge granted an adjournment to allow the defense more time to prepare.
- The adjournment of the court hearing was necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Contexts
- Often used in courts where judges may call for adjournments to gather more evidence or allow for deliberation.
- In parliamentary systems, adjournments are essential for procedural order, allowing members to regroup on important matters.
- The length and conditions of adjournments can vary greatly, with some lasting just a few minutes while others extend for days.
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, the concept of taking breaks during long discussions or negotiations is common for better decision-making.
- Festivals or gatherings sometimes adjourn for meals or ceremonial breaks to enhance social interactions.
- Various traditions encourage 'siestas'—a cultural adjournment—where taking a break is considered beneficial for productivity.
Psychology
- Research suggests taking breaks can significantly improve focus and retention of information.
- Adjournments help to reduce cognitive overload, allowing individuals to return refreshed and more engaged.
- Psychological studies indicate that proper breaks can foster creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Pop Culture
- Television shows often feature characters calling for adjournments in board meetings or debates to introduce drama.
- In legal dramas, adjournments add suspense as the audience anticipates what will happen next when discussions resume.
- Popular podcasts frequently take 'adjournments' within episodes, creating engaging segments and refreshing the listeners’ attention.
Origin of 'adjournment'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'ajourner', meaning 'to put off until tomorrow'.
- It originally combined the prefix 'ad-' (to) with 'jour' (day), reflecting the idea of postponing to a new day.
- First recorded use dates back to the late 14th century, indicating long-standing use in legal and formal contexts.
The word 'adjournment' originated from the Middle English word 'ajournement', which came from the Old French word 'ajorner', meaning to postpone. The concept of adjourning legal proceedings dates back to medieval times when courts would recess to a later date. The practice continues today in legal settings to allow for proper preparation and scheduling.
See also: adjourn.