orderly

[awr-der-lee] /ˈɔr dər li/
adjective
1.
arranged or disposed in a neat, tidy manner or in a regular sequence:
an orderly desk.
2.
observant of or governed by system or method, as persons or the mind.
3.
characterized by or observant of law, rule, or discipline; well-behaved; law-abiding:
an orderly assemblage of citizens.
4.
pertaining to or charged with the communication or execution of orders.
adverb
5.
methodically; regularly.
6.
according to established order or rule.
noun, plural orderlies.
7.
Military. an enlisted soldier assigned to perform various chores for a commanding officer or group of officers.
8.
a hospital attendant having general, nonmedical duties.
Origin
1470-80 as adv.; 1570-80 as adj.; 1795-1805 as noun; order + -ly
Related forms
orderliness, noun
unorderly, adjective
Synonyms
1,2. Orderly, methodical, systematic characterize that which is neat, in order, and planned. These three words are sometimes used interchangeably. However, orderly emphasizes neatness of arrangement: an orderly array of books. Methodical suggests a logical plan, a definite order of actions or method from beginning to end: a methodical examination. Systematic suggests thoroughness, an extensive and detailed plan, together with regularity of action: a systematic review.
Antonyms
1. chaotic, disorderly, haphazard.
Examples from the web for orderly
  • The orderly kitchen cabinets, made of maple-veneered plywood, act as a visual anchor for the red plastered walls.
  • Proper protocol-the time-honored, orderly, and collegial way of dealing with issues in academe-seems to be deteriorating.
  • From large through extra-large to jumbo, there's an orderly progression of prices, with a premium for color.
  • But violating protocol, or allowing others to do so, disrupts the orderly conduct of university business.
  • Before the star died, comets in the outer reaches of the system orbited in an orderly fashion.
  • But any look at a seismic map shows that faults don't follow neat and orderly lines across the landscape.
  • Demonstrations there have been relatively orderly, directed mainly at the country's parliamentary government.
  • They must be orderly in their work so that others can understand their findings.
  • They went about their work in a precise and orderly way.
  • The lit areas showed the governed, stable, orderly parts of the planet.
British Dictionary definitions for orderly

orderly

/ˈɔːdəlɪ/
adjective
1.
in order, properly arranged, or tidy
2.
obeying or appreciating method, system, and arrangement
3.
harmonious or peaceful
4.
(military) of or relating to orders: an orderly book
adverb
5.
(rare) according to custom or rule
noun (pl) -lies
6.
(med) a male hospital attendant
7.
(military) a junior rank detailed to carry orders or perform minor tasks for a more senior officer
Derived Forms
orderliness, noun
Word Origin and History for orderly
adv.

late 15c., "in due order," from order + -ly (2).

n.

"military attendant who carries orders," 1781, short for orderly corporal, etc. Extended 1809 to an attendant at a hospital (originally a military hospital) charged with keeping things in order and clean. See orderly (adj.).

adj.

"arranged in order," 1570s, from order (n.) + -ly (1).

orderly in Medicine

orderly or·der·ly (ôr'dər-lē)
n.
An attendant in a hospital.