Vocabulary Spotlight
Adjourn
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To suspend proceedings to another time or place.
“The judge decided to adjourn the trial until further evidence could be reviewed.”
Pronunciation
[uh-jurn]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Delay
Postpone
Defer
Recess
Antonyms
Resume
Proceed
Advance
Begin
Related Words
Reschedule
Deferral
Word Origin
The word “adjourn” originates from the Old French “ajourner,” meaning “to delay or put off until a certain day,” with roots in the Latin word “ad diurnum,” meaning “to a day.”
Word Family
Noun: Adjournment – The act of adjourning.
Verb: Adjourn – To suspend a meeting or session.
Mnemonics
Think of “adjourn” as “add journey” – to put off a meeting until another day or journey forward in time.
Industry-specific Usage
Legal
Court sessions are often adjourned when further information or a break is required.
Business Meetings
Meetings may be adjourned for various reasons, such as waiting for a missing member or additional information.
Legislative Processes
In parliamentary procedures, sessions are adjourned at set times or due to pending information.
In Context
The concept of adjourning is essential in settings where decisions may require additional deliberation or information. From courtrooms to business and government meetings, adjourning allows for thoughtful pauses and resumed discussion at a later date.