ordenar

Senses

1. 1.

   to order, to command

   to give an authoritative instruction or command

2. 2.

   to arrange, to organize

   to put things in a systematic or logical sequence

3. 3.

   to ordain

   to confer holy orders upon someone, especially as a priest

Examples

• "O general ordenou que os soldados recuassem imediatamente."

  The general ordered the soldiers to retreat immediately.

• "Preciso ordenar estes documentos por data antes da reunião."

  I need to organize these documents by date before the meeting.

• "O bispo ordenou três novos padres na cerimônia de domingo."

  The bishop ordained three new priests at Sunday's ceremony.

Usage

Common in both formal and informal contexts. When meaning "to command," often followed by "que" + subjunctive. The organizing sense is very common in everyday Brazilian Portuguese (e.g., "ordenar a casa" = to tidy up the house). The religious sense is more specialized.