I went there in order to meet her VS. I went there to meet her.
Could be any difference?
I think my question should be more specific.
'in' is a preposition and 'order' is a noun. I know 'in' but 'order' has many meanings.
What does the 'order' here mean as a noun?
I see some people explain on this site 'in the intention to to do something', then the 'order's meaning is 'intention' but I couldn't find the meaning in any ordinary dictionaries.
From the Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary:
in order to
: to make it possible for something to happen
And according to Etymonline:
In order "in proper sequence or arrangement" is from c. 1400; out of order "not in proper sequence or orderly arrangement" is from 1540s; since 20c. principally mechanical, but not originally so ("and so home, and there find my wife mightily out of order, and reproaching of Mrs. Pierce and Knipp as wenches, and I know not what," - Pepys, diary, Aug. 6, 1666).
Phrase in order to "for the purpose of" (1650s) preserves etymological notion of "sequence.
It means sequence.
I went there in order to meet her VS. I went there to meet her.
Could be any difference?
Yes. In order to is somewhat more formal.
Consider:
Little Johnny, why did you go to the store?
--I went to buy some candy.
--I went in order to buy some candy. (unlikely register)
