first order of business Meaning

First Order of Business

Definition:
The phrase “first order of business” refers to the most important or immediate task that needs to be addressed at the outset of a meeting, discussion, or transaction. It indicates the priority of matters to be dealt with, suggesting that this task should be attended to before anything else.

Usage:
The phrase is commonly used in professional settings, such as business meetings, assemblies, or any formal gatherings where multiple topics will be discussed. It signifies the initiation of proceedings.

Example sentence: “Before we delve into planning the next quarter, our first order of business is to review the budget from the last quarter.”

Etymology:
The term comprises three components: “first,” which derives from the Old English “fyrst” (meaning “foremost in position or importance”); “order,” from the Latin “ordo,” meaning “arrangement” or “sequence”; and “business,” originating from the Old English “bisignis,” which means “anxiety” or “care,” evolving to mean tasks, work, or affairs.

Pronunciation:
/ˈfɜrst ˈɔrdər əv ˈbɪz.nəs/

Synonyms:

• Priority
• Immediate task
• Primary action
• Initial agenda item

Antonyms:

• Last order of business
• Secondary issue
• Less important matter
• Non-essential task

1. Our first order of business at the meeting was to address the budget cuts proposed by management.
2. Before we dive into the project details, the first order of business is to finalize the timeline.
3. As we gathered for the team retreat, the first order of business was to review our goals for the upcoming year.
4. The new mayor declared that the first order of business would be to improve the city’s infrastructure.
5. During the conference call, the first order of business was to ensure all participants were connected and could hear each other clearly.

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