Order: meaning, definitions and examples

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order

 

[ ˈɔːrdər ]

Context #1 | Noun

in business

A request for goods or services by a customer.

Synonyms

demand, purchase, request.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
order

Used when asking for something to be made, supplied, or delivered, typically in a commercial or retail context.

  • I would like to order a pizza for delivery.
  • She ordered a new laptop online.
request

Used when politely or formally asking for something, usually in spoken or written form.

  • Can I request some more information about the job?
  • He requested a meeting with the manager.
purchase

Used to refer to the act of buying something officially and formally.

  • I need to purchase a new phone soon.
  • They purchased a house in the countryside.
demand

Used when asking for something forcefully or authoritatively, often in a way that is urgent or insistent. It carries a strong, sometimes negative connotation.

  • The workers are demanding higher wages.
  • I demand an explanation for this mistake.

Examples of usage

  • I received an order for 100 units of our product.
  • The company is currently processing a large order for a new client.
Context #2 | Noun

arrangement

The way in which people or things are arranged in relation to each other.

Synonyms

arrangement, organization, sequence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
order

Refers to a command or directive given by someone in authority.

  • The captain gave the order to fire.
  • She finally obeyed the doctor's order to rest.
arrangement

Used to refer to the way things are positioned or organized, often with some plan or system in mind.

  • The arrangement of the furniture in the room was very cozy.
  • We need to make arrangements for the meeting next week.
sequence

Refers to the specific order in which a series of events or items follow each other.

  • The sequence of scenes in the movie was thrilling.
  • You need to follow the correct sequence of steps to complete the experiment.
organization

Used to describe the structured way in which things are arranged or managed, often referring to larger systems or groups.

  • The organization of the event was impressive.
  • A charitable organization is hosting the fundraiser.

Examples of usage

  • The order of the books on the shelf is alphabetical.
  • Please stand in line in order of arrival.
Context #3 | Verb

command

To give a command or instruction to do something.

Synonyms

command, direct, instruct.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
order

Used in both formal and informal settings to give authoritative instructions or directions.

  • The manager gave an order to complete the project by Friday
  • The doctor ordered a set of tests for the patient
command

Often used in military or strict organizational contexts where hierarchy is important. Implies authority and control.

  • The general commanded the troops to advance
  • He commanded respect from everyone in the room
instruct

Typically used in educational or training contexts to give teaching or detailed guidance.

  • The trainer instructed the students on how to use the equipment
  • I was instructed to fill out the form completely
direct

Commonly used in professional or formal contexts when giving specific instructions or guiding others.

  • She directed the team to focus on the new project
  • The sign directs visitors to the exhibition hall

Examples of usage

  • The manager ordered the team to start working on the project.
  • Please order a pizza for dinner.

Translations

Translations of the word "order" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ordem

🇮🇳 आदेश

🇩🇪 Bestellung

🇮🇩 pesanan

🇺🇦 замовлення

🇵🇱 zamówienie

🇯🇵 注文 (chūmon)

🇫🇷 ordre

🇪🇸 orden

🇹🇷 sipariş

🇰🇷 주문 (jumun)

🇸🇦 طلب (talab)

🇨🇿 objednávka

🇸🇰 objednávka

🇨🇳 订单 (dìngdān)

🇸🇮 naročilo

🇮🇸 pöntun

🇰🇿 тапсырыс

🇬🇪 შეკვეთა

🇦🇿 sifariş

🇲🇽 orden

Etymology

The word 'order' originated from the Old English word 'ordre', which in turn came from the Latin word 'ordo' meaning 'row, series, arrangement'. The concept of order has been fundamental in human societies throughout history, from social hierarchies to organizational systems. In modern usage, 'order' is widely used in various contexts, from business transactions to everyday arrangements.

See also: disorder, orderable, ordered, ordering, orderliness, orderly, orders, reorder, reordering.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #105, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.