I. -lē, -li adverb
Etymology: Middle English, from ordre, order + -ly (adverb suffix)
: in or according to due order : regularly , methodically , duly
will find the following lessons orderly arranged — Whitcomb Crichton
II. adjective
Etymology: order (I) + -ly (adjective suffix)
1.
a.
(1) : arranged, disposed, or organized in some order, pattern, or sequence : conforming to a plan : well ordered : regular
the city plan is orderly — American Guide Series: Michigan
orderly rows of shacks — American Guide Series: Florida
(2) : not disordered : neat , tidy
found the room and its belongings in orderly condition
b. : governed by law or system : not haphazard : regulated, systematic
gives rise to orderly involuntary motor responses — H.G.Armstrong
a series of orderly actions at regular hours — Ellen Glasgow
c. : characterized by methodical ways or procedures : systematic in action or thought
an orderly mind
an orderly person
d. : reflecting or exhibiting a methodical mind or temper
admired his orderly ways
2. : having regard for good order, authority, or rule : not unruly : peaceful , quiet
thrifty, orderly New England — Allan Nevins & H.S.Commager
the parts of provincial Africa which lay near the desert were less orderly — James Bryce
3. : relating to or charged with the transmission of military orders
Synonyms:
orderly , methodical , systematic can apply to what follows closely a set arrangement, design, or pattern. orderly implies an observance of due sequence or proper arrangement as in the disposition of things, in the observance of rules, in keeping a place free from litter, or in the making of a plan or the following of a scheme
an orderly setting of a table
an orderly election
an orderly household
an orderly housekeeper
an orderly mind
methodical implies the careful observance of an order of things or actions that is worked out, usually carefully, in advance or that is logical or inevitable
a methodical search for the facts
a methodical course of instruction
a methodical cleaning up of a yard
a methodical housekeeper following a more or less fixed routine
systematic comes close to methodical but puts stress upon the integrity and completeness of the order adopted or followed
a systematic course in astronomy
a cold-blooded and systematic destruction of one's enemies
a systematic devotee of physical exercise
a systematic workman
III. noun
( -es )
1. : a soldier who attends a superior officer to carry his orders or to give other service ; also : a soldier detailed to look after a room or otherwise assist in a hospital ward
2. : a hospital attendant who does routine or heavy work (as cleaning, carrying supplies, or moving patients to surgery)