Have you ever heard the term “adjourned” and wondered what it actually means?
The word adjourned is commonly used in formal settings like meetings, court sessions, and official events to indicate that an activity has been temporarily paused or concluded for the time being.
Understanding this term is essential, especially for professionals, students, and anyone participating in formal discussions or legal proceedings.
When a meeting or court session is adjourned, it doesn’t mean it’s canceled—it simply means it will resume later or at a scheduled future time.
Misusing this word can lead to confusion, so knowing the correct meaning and context is important. In this article, we will explore the definition of adjourned, its usage in different scenarios, common mistakes to avoid, and provide plenty of examples and synonyms.
By the end, you’ll be confident in using “adjourned” correctly in both professional and casual conversations.
Definition of Adjourned
The term “adjourned” is a formal English word that refers to the act of temporarily pausing, suspending, or ending an event or meeting, usually with the intention of resuming it later. It is commonly used in professional, legal, and parliamentary contexts, making it an important word for anyone involved in meetings, court sessions, or official proceedings.
According to dictionary definitions, adjourned means:
- “To suspend a meeting, court session, or assembly to a future time or place.”
- “To formally end an event or proceeding for a temporary period.”
One key point is that when something is adjourned, it is not canceled or permanently stopped. Instead, it is merely paused, with plans to continue later. For example:
- In a business meeting: “The board meeting was adjourned until next Monday.”
- In a court: “The court session was adjourned for lunch and will resume at 2 PM.”
Adjourned is often used as a past participle in sentences, usually with verbs like “was” or “has been”:
- Correct: “The meeting was adjourned after two hours.”
- Incorrect: “The meeting adjourned after two hours.” (unless the subject is the meeting itself acting formally)
Understanding the meaning of adjourned helps avoid confusion in formal communication. Whether in professional meetings, legal proceedings, or academic assemblies, knowing how and when to use this word correctly adds clarity and professionalism to your speech and writing.
Origin and History of Adjourned
The word “adjourned” has a rich history that traces back to Latin and Old French, reflecting its long-standing use in formal and legal contexts. It originates from the Latin word “diurnare”, meaning “to defer to another day”, which later evolved into the Old French term “ajourner”. In Old French, ajourner carried the meaning of postponing or putting off to a later time, which is very similar to the way we use adjourned today.
In English, the term appeared in the 14th century, primarily in parliamentary and legal documents. Early usage often described the formal suspension of a court session, council meeting, or legislative assembly. Over time, it became a standard part of procedural language in government, courts, and formal organizations, emphasizing the temporary nature of the pause rather than permanent cancellation.
Historically, adjournments were critical in parliamentary procedures, where sessions could not always complete their business in a single day. Meetings and legislative debates were often adjourned to the following day or week to allow members to gather more information or prepare further.
Today, the word adjourned is widely used not only in legal and parliamentary contexts but also in business meetings, academic assemblies, and conferences. Understanding its history helps clarify why it is considered a formal and professional term, distinct from casual words like “postponed” or “delayed.”
Knowing the origin of adjourned adds depth to your understanding and enables you to use it correctly in both writing and speaking, especially in formal situations where precision matters.
Usage in Meetings
In professional and formal settings, the word “adjourned” is most commonly used in the context of meetings. When a meeting is adjourned, it means that the discussion or proceedings are temporarily paused or formally ended, usually with the plan to resume later. This is different from canceling a meeting, which implies it will not happen at all.
For example, in a corporate environment, a manager might say: “The weekly team meeting is adjourned until Monday at 10 AM.” This indicates that the meeting has formally concluded for now but will continue at a scheduled time. Similarly, during academic assemblies or student council meetings, the chairperson might declare: “This session is adjourned until further notice.”
Using adjourned correctly in meetings also follows certain formal procedures. Many organizations have rules called motions to adjourn, where a member proposes to pause or end the meeting. Once the motion is approved, the chairperson formally announces: “The meeting is adjourned.”
It is important to note the tense and context when using this word. Typically, it appears in the past tense when reporting on the meeting: “The meeting was adjourned at 3 PM.” Using it in informal casual conversation is less common but still acceptable when describing formal meetings to others.
Understanding how adjourned works in meetings ensures clarity and professionalism, helping avoid confusion about whether a meeting has ended temporarily or been canceled altogether.
Usage in Legal Contexts / Court
The term “adjourned” is frequently used in legal and judicial settings to indicate that a court session or hearing has been temporarily paused or formally ended. In courts, an adjournment does not mean the case is over—it simply means the proceedings will continue at a later time or date. This is a critical distinction because legal matters often require additional evidence, deliberation, or procedural preparation.
For example, a judge may announce: “This court session is adjourned until 2 PM,” signaling a temporary break, such as for lunch or administrative matters. In other cases, a court might be adjourned to a later date to allow both parties to gather more information or prepare legal documents: “The hearing has been adjourned until next Tuesday.”
There are different types of court adjournments:
- Temporary adjournment: A short pause within the same day, often for breaks.
- Adjournment to a future date: Resuming the case at a later scheduled time.
- Adjournment sine die: A Latin term meaning the session is adjourned without specifying a date, leaving the resumption open-ended.
Correct usage is important in legal documents and courtroom communication. For example:
- Correct: “The trial was adjourned until further notice.”
- Incorrect: “The trial adjourned.” (unless referring to the court formally acting)
Understanding how adjourned functions in legal contexts ensures clarity, precision, and professionalism, preventing confusion over whether a case has ended or is merely postponed.
Adjourned vs Postponed vs Suspended vs Canceled
While the word “adjourned” is often used in meetings and legal settings, it is important to understand how it differs from similar terms like postponed, suspended, and canceled. Using these words incorrectly can cause confusion, especially in professional and formal contexts.
Adjourned means that an event or meeting is temporarily paused or formally ended with the plan to resume later. For example: “The board meeting was adjourned until next Monday.”
Postponed refers to delaying an event to a later time or date, often due to scheduling conflicts or unforeseen circumstances. Unlike adjourned, postponed does not always imply a formal suspension: “The conference was postponed due to heavy rain.”
Suspended indicates a temporary halt, often with restrictions or conditions. This is commonly used in disciplinary or procedural contexts: “The employee was suspended pending investigation.”
Canceled means the event is permanently called off and will not take place. For example: “The meeting was canceled due to insufficient participants.”
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjourned | Temporarily paused, will resume | “The meeting was adjourned until tomorrow.” |
| Postponed | Delayed to a later date | “The workshop was postponed to next week.” |
| Suspended | Temporarily halted, often conditional | “The trial was suspended for evidence review.” |
| Canceled | Permanently stopped | “The event was canceled due to weather.” |
Understanding these subtle differences ensures clarity in communication and helps you choose the correct term for professional, legal, or casual situations.
Synonyms of Adjourned
The word “adjourned” has several synonyms that can be used in formal and informal contexts. Using synonyms appropriately allows you to vary your language while maintaining clarity and professionalism.
Some common synonyms of adjourned include:
- Deferred – Indicates something is postponed to a later time, often used in formal settings.
- Example: “The vote was deferred until the next session.”
- Recessed – Commonly used in meetings and legislative assemblies to indicate a temporary pause.
- Example: “The committee recessed for lunch and will resume at 1 PM.”
- Suspended – Refers to a temporary halt, often with rules or conditions attached.
- Example: “The trial was suspended pending submission of new evidence.”
- Ended – Signifies the formal conclusion of an event, sometimes used as a simpler alternative.
- Example: “The conference ended after three productive days.”
- Put off / Delayed – Informal alternatives that indicate an event is rescheduled.
- Example: “The workshop was put off until next week.”
It is important to note that while all these words are similar, they carry slight differences in nuance and formality. For instance, deferred and recessed are more formal, while put off and delayed are casual. Choosing the right synonym depends on the context, whether it’s a legal proceeding, corporate meeting, or everyday conversation.
Using these synonyms effectively can make your writing and speech more precise, while also preventing repetition and improving readability.
Common Phrases & Expressions with Adjourned
The word “adjourned” is often used in fixed phrases and expressions, especially in professional, academic, and legal contexts. Learning these phrases can help you use the word correctly and naturally in conversation or writing.
One of the most common expressions is:
- “The meeting is adjourned.”
This is a formal way for a chairperson or leader to officially end a meeting or session. It is usually said after all agenda items are discussed.- Example: “Thank you all for attending. The meeting is adjourned.”
Another frequently used phrase is:
- “Adjourned until [time/date].”
This specifies when the paused meeting or session will resume.- Example: “The court hearing is adjourned until 10 AM tomorrow.”
- “Adjourned for lunch/break.”
This indicates a temporary pause in proceedings, commonly used in meetings, conferences, or court sessions.- Example: “The committee was adjourned for lunch and will resume at 2 PM.”
- “Adjourned sine die.”
A legal term meaning the session is adjourned without specifying a date, leaving the resumption open-ended.- Example: “The legislative assembly was adjourned sine die.”
These phrases highlight the formal and procedural nature of the word adjourned. Using them correctly ensures that your communication is clear, professional, and precise, whether you are participating in a meeting, attending a court session, or reporting on formal events.
Mastering these expressions also helps avoid confusion with casual alternatives like “paused” or “canceled,” keeping your usage accurate in formal contexts.
How to Use Adjourned in Sentences
Using the word “adjourned” correctly in sentences is essential, especially in formal settings like meetings, courts, and official events. Typically, adjourned is used in the past participle form, often with verbs like “was” or “has been.”
Formal examples:
- “The board meeting was adjourned at 4 PM after discussing the quarterly report.”
- “The court session was adjourned until further notice.”
- “The conference was adjourned for lunch and will resume at 2 PM.”
These examples show that adjourned is used to indicate a temporary pause or formal ending, usually followed by details of when the activity will resume.
Casual examples:
- “Our team meeting was adjourned early today, so we went home.”
- “The discussion in class was adjourned because the teacher had an appointment.”
Even in casual contexts, using adjourned adds a touch of formality and professionalism, making your speech sound precise and well-informed.
Tips for correct usage:
- Use “was adjourned” or “has been adjourned” in most sentences.
- Avoid saying “the meeting adjourned” unless the meeting itself is the subject and it is formally acting.
- Always clarify when or why the session was adjourned if needed: “The meeting was adjourned until Monday due to time constraints.”
By practicing these examples, you can confidently use adjourned in both professional and casual conversations, ensuring clarity and proper communication.
Common Mistakes & Misconceptions
Even though “adjourned” is widely used in formal settings, many people make mistakes or misunderstand its meaning. Being aware of these common errors ensures that you use the word correctly in both writing and speech.
1. Confusing adjourned with canceled
A common mistake is treating adjourned as if the event is permanently canceled. Adjourned only means the meeting, session, or event is temporarily paused and will resume later.
- Incorrect: “The meeting was adjourned, so it won’t happen again.”
- Correct: “The meeting was adjourned until next Monday.”
2. Confusing adjourned with postponed
While similar, postponed often refers to rescheduling due to external reasons, whereas adjourned is a formal pause or procedural suspension.
- Incorrect: “The trial was postponed for the day” (when it’s a formal court adjournment).
- Correct: “The trial was adjourned until tomorrow.”
3. Misusing verb forms
Many incorrectly say “The meeting adjourned” instead of using the proper past participle form with a helping verb.
- Incorrect: “The meeting adjourned at 5 PM.”
- Correct: “The meeting was adjourned at 5 PM.”
4. Using adjourned in casual, informal contexts
While not wrong, using adjourned casually in informal chat can sound overly formal. In such cases, words like “paused” or “ended” may be better.
By avoiding these mistakes, you ensure that adjourned is used correctly, maintaining clarity, professionalism, and precision in formal, legal, or business communication.
Why Understanding “Adjourned” is Important
Understanding the meaning and usage of “adjourned” is crucial for anyone who participates in formal meetings, court sessions, or official events. Using this word correctly ensures that your communication is clear, precise, and professional, preventing misunderstandings about whether an event is temporarily paused, delayed, or canceled.
In professional settings, knowing when a meeting is adjourned helps participants understand that discussions are paused but not over, allowing them to prepare for the next session. For example: “The board meeting was adjourned until next Tuesday” clearly communicates that the meeting will continue, so employees can plan accordingly.
In legal contexts, understanding adjournment is even more important. Court sessions, hearings, or trials are often adjourned for procedural reasons, and confusing adjournment with cancellation could lead to missed appearances or miscommunication. Lawyers, judges, and clients all rely on the correct usage of adjourned to maintain smooth legal proceedings.
Additionally, mastering this word improves your overall English vocabulary. It is a formal, professional term that conveys authority and precision, making it useful in writing, presentations, and public speaking. Using adjourned correctly demonstrates attention to detail and a solid grasp of formal English.
In short, understanding adjourned is not just about knowing a word—it’s about enhancing professionalism, avoiding confusion, and communicating effectively in both business and legal environments. Proper usage ensures that you convey the intended meaning with confidence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Adjourned
1. What does adjourned mean?
Adjourned means that a meeting, session, or event has been temporarily paused or formally ended, with plans to resume later.
2. How is adjourned different from postponed?
While adjourned refers to a formal suspension, postponed usually indicates a delay due to external reasons, not necessarily following formal procedures.
3. Can I use adjourned in casual conversation?
Yes, but it sounds formal. For casual situations, words like “paused” or “ended” may be more natural.
4. What is “adjourned sine die”?
A legal term meaning the session is adjourned without specifying a date, leaving resumption open-ended.
5. How do I use adjourned in a sentence?
Example: “The court session was adjourned until tomorrow.” Always use it with helping verbs like “was” or “has been.”
Conclusion
In summary, the word “adjourned” is a formal term used to indicate that a meeting, court session, or event has been temporarily paused or formally ended, with plans to resume later.
It is commonly used in professional, academic, and legal contexts, making it an essential word for effective communication in formal settings.
Understanding the meaning of adjourned helps prevent confusion with similar terms like postponed, suspended, or canceled, and ensures clarity when scheduling or reporting events.
By learning its proper usage, including common phrases, synonyms, and correct sentence structures, you can confidently use the word in meetings, court proceedings, and official correspondence.
Penelope Quill is a wordsmith with a flair for wit and whimsy. At punnery.com, she delights in twisting language into clever knots, turning simple phrases into laugh-out-loud moments.
With every pun she pens, Penelope proves that humor and artistry can share the same sentence. Her quill dances across the page, leaving behind laughter, lightness, and a love for the perfectly placed pun.
