order
Definitions
The way things are arranged in relation to one another; sequence
次序，顺序，排列方式
An instruction given by someone in authority that must be obeyed
命令，指令
A request to make, supply, or deliver goods or services
订购，订单
A state in which rules are obeyed and things work properly
秩序，治安
To tell someone to do something with authority
命令，指示
To request goods or services to be supplied
订购，点（餐）
To arrange things in a particular sequence
整理，排列
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedStraight from Latin ōrdō, 'a row of threads on a loom.' From 'things in their proper place' came three everyday senses: arrangement (put in order), command (the one who arranges the ranks gives the order), and a request for goods (arranging for supply). All three share one core image — someone deciding how things are placed.
Root order still carries 34 more wordsWhy It Means This
Why does one short word mean sequence, command, and a takeout request all at once? The thread runs back to Latin ōrdō, the row of threads on a loom — everything in its proper place. Arranging the ranks of soldiers was 'giving order'; the officer who set their places naturally also told them what to do, so 'order' became a command. A merchant who 'placed an order' was likewise arranging for goods to fall into place. The word never really changed meaning — it just followed the human acts of arranging.
Usage Guide
- in order = arranged correctly (Is everything in order?); in order to = so as to (a fixed phrase, nothing to do with sequence).
- out of order = (1) not working (the lift is out of order), (2) against the rules in a meeting (the chairman ruled him out of order).
- order someone to do (command) vs order something (request goods): She ordered him to leave / She ordered a coffee.
- Set phrases: in working order, law and order, a tall order (an unreasonably difficult demand).
Example Sentences
- 1.
Please put these files back in alphabetical order when you're done.
- 2.
The general gave the order to retreat before dawn.
- 3.
I'd like to order a large pizza and two cokes.
- 4.
Your order will be delivered within three working days.
- 5.
The police struggled to maintain order during the protest.
Easily Confused
order vs command — both mean a directive, but command is stronger and more formal/military (the captain's command), often a standing authority. order is the everyday word and also covers requesting goods, which command never does. You order a coffee; you don't 'command' one.
Synonym Comparison
- order — broadest: sequence, command, or request
- command — a forceful, authoritative directive
- sequence — purely the arrangement/succession, no authority
- instruction — a direction on how to do something, gentler than a command
- directive — an official order, often written, from an institution