arrangement
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
US
- /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
Description
- plan
- agreement
- organization
- setup
An arrangement isn't just about flowers in a vase—though it certainly can be! It refers to the way things are planned or organized, whether it's a musical adaptation, a deal between friends, or even how furniture is placed in a room. Think of a jazz band: its beautiful sound comes from a careful arrangement of notes and rhythms. Or, imagine planning a surprise party—that requires a detailed arrangement of tasks and helpers! Sometimes, an arrangement is simply an agreement: "We came to an arrangement that I'd do the dishes if she walked the dog."
The word "arrangement" refers to the way in which something is planned, organized, or set up. It can describe a wide range of things, from simple tasks to complex plans. For instance, you might say, "The flowers were a beautiful arrangement of roses and lilies," describing their pleasing visual order.
But an arrangement isn't limited to physical objects. It often refers to agreements or understandings between people. If two friends "make an arrangement" to share the cost of a vacation, it means they have reached a mutual agreement about finances. It can also describe how elements are combined, especially in music: "The orchestra played a stunning arrangement of Beethoven's symphony." This implies a specific adaptation or new interpretation of the original work.
Arrangement can even refer to preparations for an event. Saying, "All the arrangements for the wedding were meticulously planned," suggests careful attention was paid to every detail. Sometimes it's used more casually, like noting "a convenient arrangement," meaning a situation works well for everyone involved.
Think of a chess game—each piece is strategically arranged on the board at the start. Or consider a contract—it's a formal arrangement outlining responsibilities and expectations. So whether you're talking about aesthetics, agreements, music, or events, "arrangement" always implies a deliberate order or plan put into place.
Examples
- 1
Seating
We changed the seating arrangement so everyone could see the screen.
- 2
Travel planning
Have you made the travel arrangements for next week?
Phrase
make arrangements
organize the practical details
- 3
Shared duties
They have an arrangement with their neighbors to share school pickup.
Pattern
arrangement with + person/group
an agreed way of doing something together
- 4
Work policy
Under the new arrangement, staff can work from home on Fridays.
Pattern
under the new arrangement
according to that agreed system
- 5
Rent agreement
After a long discussion, they came to an arrangement about the rent.
Phrase
come to an arrangement
reach an agreement
- 6
Flowers
She put the flower arrangement in the middle of the table.
Meaning
arrangement
a group of flowers placed together nicely
- 7
Music
I really like his piano arrangement of that old song.
Domain
in music, an arrangement is a version changed to suit particular instruments or a style
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- arrangementnoun
Forms
- arrangementspluralnoun