What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adjourn
Example
The judge decided to adjourn the hearing until next week. [adjourn: verb]
Example
After a brief adjournment, the meeting resumed with a new agenda. [adjournment: noun]
suspend
Example
The construction work was suspended due to bad weather. [suspend: verb]
Example
The student was suspended from school for three days for breaking the rules. [suspended: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suspend is more commonly used than adjourn in everyday language. Suspend is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while adjourn is less common and refers specifically to meetings, courts, or legislative assemblies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adjourn and suspend?
Both adjourn and suspend are formal words that are commonly used in official settings such as meetings, courts, and schools. However, suspend may have a more negative connotation due to its association with punishment or prohibition.
