arrange
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ərˈeɪndʒ/
US
- /ərˈeɪndʒ/
Description
- put in order
- organize
- set up (a meeting/event)
- arrange for (something to happen)
- adapt (music)
Imagine you've just baked cookies with your friends – you don't just throw them onto the plate! You carefully arrange them, maybe by size or color, to make them look appealing. That's what "arrange" is all about: putting things into a specific order or making a plan.
You can arrange furniture in a room, arrange meetings on your calendar, or even arrange a surprise party for someone special. It implies some thought and intention behind the placement of things. A skilled musician might arrange a song – taking existing melodies and harmonies and reworking them into something new. Sometimes it means to make preparations: "She arranged for a taxi to take her to the airport."
To arrange means to put things in a particular order or position, often with a specific purpose in mind. It goes beyond simply placing items; it suggests deliberate organization and intention. For example, saying "He carefully arranged the flowers in a vase" implies he wasn't just sticking them in randomly but creating an aesthetically pleasing display.
Arranging can apply to physical objects, like furniture ("Let's arrange the living room for the party"), or abstract concepts, like plans and schedules ("She arranged a meeting with her boss"). It often involves making preparations: "He arranged transportation to the concert" means he took steps to ensure they had a ride.
The word can also refer to adapting something existing – like music. A composer might arrange a classical piece for a different instrument, or a band might arrange a popular song in their own style. This involves reworking the original material while preserving its essence.
Sometimes "arrange" implies negotiation or agreement: "They arranged a deal that benefited both parties." It suggests reaching an understanding and making things happen through careful planning and coordination.
So whether you're decorating, scheduling, adapting, or negotiating – to arrange is to bring order and intention to the way things are set up or planned.
Examples
- 1
Classroom setup
We arranged the chairs in a circle before the class started.
- 2
File organization
The files are arranged by date, so it's easy to find old emails.
- 3
Transportation help
I'll arrange a taxi for you after dinner.
- 4
Meeting plans
She arranged a meeting with the bank manager for Tuesday morning.
- 5
Personal plans
Have you arranged to meet Daniel at the station?
- 6
School support
The school arranged for a counselor to speak to the parents.
Pattern
arrange for + person + to do X
make plans so that person does it
- 7
Neighbor agreement
He arranged with his neighbor to feed the cat while he was away.
Pattern
arrange with + person + to do X
make an agreement with them
- 8
Interview setup
Everything was arranged so that the interview would go smoothly.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- arrangeverb
Forms
- arrangedpast tenseverb
- arranging-ing formverb
- arrangesverb