
verb (used with object), ar·ranged, ar·rang·ing.
- to place in proper, desired, or convenient order; adjust properly: to arrange books on a shelf.
- to come to an agreement or understanding regarding: The two sides arranged the sale of the property.
- to prepare or plan: to arrange the details of a meeting.
- Music. to adapt (a composition) for a particular style of performance by voices or instruments.
verb (used without object), ar·ranged, ar·rang·ing.
- to make plans or preparations: They arranged for a conference on Wednesday.
- to make a settlement; come to an agreement: to arrange with the coal company for regular deliveries.
verb
- (tr) to put into a proper, systematic, or decorative order
- (tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to arrive at an agreement or understanding about; settle
- (when intr, often foll by for; when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive ) to make plans or preparations in advance (for something)we arranged for her to be met
- (tr) to adapt (a musical composition) for performance in a different way, esp on different instruments
- (tr) to adapt (a play, etc) for broadcasting
- (intr often foll by with) to come to an agreement
late 14c., “draw up a line of battle,” from Old French arengier (12c.), from a- “to” (see ad-) + rangier “set in a row” (Modern French ranger), from rang “rank,” from Frankish *hring (see rank (n.)).
A rare word until the meaning generalized to “to place things in order” c.1780-1800. Musical sense of “adapt for other instruments or voices” is from 1808. Related: Arranged; arranging. Arranged marriage attested from 1854.