call to order

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Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):
    • To formally begin or officially start a meeting, session, or assembly, typically by using a recognized procedure or signal to command attention and establish that official business is commencing.
Usage
  • This phrase is used almost exclusively in formal or parliamentary contexts, such as meetings of committees, boards, legislative bodies, or conventions.
  • It signals a transition from informal conversation or preparation to the official, structured proceedings.
  • The subject is usually the presiding officer (e.g., chairperson, speaker, president).
Examples
  • Verb:
    • The president called the meeting to order at precisely 9:00 AM.
    • After the noise subsided, the chairperson called the assembly to order.
Advanced Usage
  • "to call [something] to order": The direct object is typically "the meeting," "the session," "the hearing," or "the convention."
    • The judge called the court to order.
  • The phrase can imply restoring order and discipline if a meeting has become chaotic or informal discussion has overrun.
    • The debate grew heated, forcing the speaker to call the house to order.
Variants and Related Words
  • Gavel (n): A small mallet used by a presiding officer to signal for attention or to call a meeting to order.
    • She used her gavel to call the committee to order.
  • Recess (n/v): A temporary break in a meeting. The opposite action of calling to order is often "to recess" or "to adjourn."
  • Adjourn (v): To formally end a meeting.
Synonyms
  • Convene (v): To come or bring together for a meeting. (Note: "Convene" focuses on assembling, while "call to order" focuses on formally starting the proceedings once assembled.)
  • Open (v): To declare something begun. (e.g., )
Related Phrases
  • "The meeting is called to order": A standard declaration made by the chair to officially start.
    • The secretary noted the time as the meeting was called to order.
  • "Out of order": Not following the proper rules of procedure. This is the state before a meeting is "called to order" or a condition a chairperson corrects.
    • The member was ruled out of order for speaking without permission.
Verb
  1. open formally
    • the chairman called the meeting to order by pounding his gavel