Orders Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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orders

[ˈɔːrdərz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

online shopping

A request for a product or service made by a customer and agreed upon by a seller. Orders can be placed through various means such as websites, mobile apps, or in person.

Synonyms

purchase, request, transaction.

Examples of usage

  • Please place your order online and we will deliver it to your home.
  • She received an order for ten pairs of shoes from a customer in Japan.
  • The restaurant received a large order for catering a corporate event.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A command given by a superior officer to be carried out by subordinates. Orders in the military are crucial for maintaining discipline and executing missions successfully.

Synonyms

command, directive, instruction.

Examples of usage

  • The general issued an order for all troops to move to the front lines.
  • Soldiers must follow orders without question to ensure the success of the mission.
Context #3 | Verb

command

To give a directive or command to someone, instructing them on what to do. Ordering can be done in various settings, including business, military, and everyday life.

Synonyms

command, direct, instruct.

Examples of usage

  • The manager ordered the staff to clean up the store before closing.
  • She ordered a pizza for dinner after a long day at work.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

  • In commerce, placing orders is a crucial part of supply chain management.
  • Businesses often differentiate between purchase orders (formal requests to buy) and sales orders (confirmation of sales).
  • Online shopping has made it easier than ever for customers to place orders with just a few clicks.

Military

  • Orders in the military often involve commands given to soldiers for missions or tasks.
  • The phrase 'follow orders' emphasizes the importance of discipline and hierarchy in armed forces.
  • Orders can vary from tactical (specific actions) to strategic (overall direction for operations).

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have specific 'orders' regarding politeness and social interactions, like how to greet people.
  • Food orders are especially important in culinary traditions, influencing how meals are prepared and served.
  • In some religious ceremonies, certain orders dictate how rituals should be conducted for respect and orderliness.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that having a sense of order can lead to feelings of control and less anxiety.
  • People often find comfort in routines, which can be seen as a form of personal 'ordering' of life events.
  • Cognitive theories propose that our brains prefer organized information, making it easier to understand and remember.

Origin of 'orders'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ordo', meaning 'a sequence or arrangement'.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to refer to both a command and a way of organizing items.
  • The concept of orders in society dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were used to maintain structure.

The word 'orders' originated from Middle English 'ordre', from Old French 'ordre', from Latin 'ordo, ordin-' meaning 'row, series, class, rank'. The term evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to commands, requests, and arrangements. It has been used in military, business, and everyday contexts to denote instructions, purchases, and arrangements.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,139, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.