order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion.
ordered her business affairs
arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.
arranged the files numerically
marshal suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use.
marshaling the facts for argument
organize implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function.
organized the volunteers into teams
systematize implies arranging according to a predetermined scheme.
systematized billing procedures
methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.
methodizes every aspect of daily living
Example Sentences
She arranged her pictures on her desk. He arranged some fresh fruit neatly on a plate. arranging flowers in a vase We arranged and rearranged the order several times. She arranged her hair on top of her head. Please arrange a meeting with your partners. I think we can arrange a deal. Let's arrange our schedules so that we can meet for lunch. You'll need to arrange transportation from the airport. He arranged her last two albums. See More
Recent Examples on the WebAll guests will enjoy Waldorf’s trademark personal concierge service that can arrange bespoke experiences throughout your stay. Dana Givens, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2022 No rule says that any gardener has to arrange a garden in any specific way.Sunset Magazine, 13 July 2022 Eventually, her family had to arrange a trip to a pharmacy on their own for a second booster. Benjamin Mueller, BostonGlobe.com, 31 May 2022 Eventually, her family had to arrange a trip to a pharmacy on their own for a second booster.New York Times, 31 May 2022 After each round of suspension, cinemas have to re-arrange the release schedule, something that may take three to six months. Vivienne Chow, Variety, 15 Mar. 2022 Mali’s foreign minister, Abdoulaye Diop, said European security partners were still welcome in Mali, but each country would now have to arrange its own bilateral agreement with the government and focus on building up Mali’s armed forces.NBC News, 18 Feb. 2022 But the timing of each drop was carefully coordinated with tenants’ association presidents, who had to arrange volunteers to set up tables and food. Rozina Ali, Harper’s Magazine , 7 Dec. 2021 But the ones who have yet to arrange for the tagging of their merchandise have burdened their businesses with significant additional risk, whether their investors and creditors realize it or not. Marshall Kay, Forbes, 9 Nov. 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English arengen "to draw up in ranks," borrowed from Anglo-French arenger (continental Old French arengier) "to draw up in ranks, put in proper order," from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad-ad-) + rengier, ranger "to set in ranks," derivative of renc, ranc "line of soldiers, jousting lists, line or rank of persons or things" — more at rank entry 1
Note: Though appearing once as Middle English arengen, and in early Scots, the verb arrange is very rare in English literature before the late eighteenth century and is in effect a reborrowing of modern French arranger (the regular outcome of Old French arengier), to which it owes its current meanings.