What Makes This Word Tick
"Adjourn" is one of those words that signal a pause or a break in proceedings. Often used in legal or formal settings, it brings to mind courtrooms and important meetings, where decisions are made to suspend activity temporarily. It's a word that commands a pause, but one with the intention to return and resume.
If Adjourn Were a Person…
Adjourn might be that friend who loves hosting dinners but signals the end of the party with a subtle yawn and a hint at picking it back up another day. They're polite, thoughtful, and know the importance of taking a breather.
How This Word Has Changed Over Time
Originally, "adjourn" comes from the Old French "ajourner," which means "to appoint a day." Initially, it referred to setting a new date, but as time passed, it evolved to emphasize the act of pausing until a later time. Its roots are deeply procedural, reflecting a time when formal arrangements and scheduling were paramount.
Old Sayings and Proverbs That Use Adjourn
There aren't many proverbs featuring the word "adjourn," but the spirit resides in sayings like "All in good time" and "Rome wasn't built in a day," both reflecting the need for patience and structured progress rather than haste.
Surprising Facts About Adjourn
Did you know that in the U.S. Congress, the adjournment of a session requires approval from both chambers? It isn't just a casual "see you later," but rather a formally recognized pause in activity.
Out and About With This Word
You might find "adjourn" making its rounds in courts, business meetings, and even at local club gatherings when everyone agrees it's time to end the current discussion, perhaps concluding with a shared laugh and a promise to continue later.
Pop Culture Moments Where Adjourn Was Used
In the world of cinema, courtroom dramas like “A Few Good Men” use "adjourn" to heighten the tension. The moment when a judge announces an adjournment can leave audiences anticipating what's next for the unfolding drama.
The Word in Literature
"Adjourn" fits seamlessly in legal thrillers by authors like John Grisham, reflecting pivotal courtroom moments. It's a word that often signals a turn in the narrative, where suspense builds during a hiatus in the proceedings.
Moments in History with Adjourn
One such moment might involve the U.S. Continental Congress, where the decision to adjourn a meeting could have been pivotal in the timing of revolutionary decisions. Adjournment, in such contexts, would buy time for consideration and strategy.
This Word Around the World
In French, "adjourn" translates to "ajourner," showing similar roots. Different cultures approach adjournment with varying formality; for instance, Japanese meetings may require specific etiquette around pauses and resumptions.
Where Does It Come From?
Rooted in Old French "ajourner," with "a" meaning "to" and "jour" meaning "day," "adjourn" painted the picture of bringing things to a close for today, only to revisit another day.
How People Misuse This Word
People often mistakenly use "adjourn" interchangeably with "cancel," but adjourn implies a temporary halt, not a complete dismissal. It's about pushing 'pause' with every intention of coming back.
Words It’s Often Confused With
Cancel: Unlike adjourn, cancel refers to calling off an event or meeting altogether.
Postpone: While similar, this suggests moving an entire event to a later date, rather than taking a break until it continues.
Suspended: Can mean temporary cessation, but doesn't imply a scheduled continuation like adjourn.
Additional Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms: Recess, Pause, Suspend Antonyms: Conclude, Finish, End
Want to Try It Out in a Sentence?
"In an unexpected turn of events, the board decided to adjourn until they could gather more information, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats."
