Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Conforming to a standard, usual, typical, or expected state or condition: Describes something that is not unusual, strange, or deviant; it is as it commonly is or should be.
   • Approximately average in a statistical or developmental sense: Refers to being within the typical or most common range for a particular characteristic, such as intelligence, growth, or behavior.
   • Forming a right angle; perpendicular: In geometry, a line that is at a 90-degree angle to a given line or surface.
   • In accordance with natural laws or scientific principles: Functioning or occurring in the way that is standard according to science or nature.

2. Noun:

   • The usual, average, or typical state, form, or condition: The standard or regular pattern from which things do not deviate.
   • A standard or pattern used as a basis for comparison: Something that serves as a model or established norm.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • After the storm, life slowly returned to normal. (Describes the usual state of affairs.)
  • The doctor said the test results were completely normal. (Indicates results were within the standard, healthy range.)
  • It's normal to feel nervous before a big presentation. (Describes a typical or expected feeling.)
  • Draw a line normal to the curve at this point. (Uses the geometric meaning of perpendicular.)

• Noun:

  • Temperatures are above normal for this time of year. (Refers to the average or expected temperature level.)
  • His behavior is a departure from the normal. (Refers to the standard or typical pattern of behavior.)

Advanced Usage

• The new normal: A phrase used to describe a previously unusual situation that has become standard or expected, often after a significant change or event.

  • Working from home became the new normal for many people during the pandemic.

• To normalize (verb): To make something conform to a standard; to become normal or regular.

  • The two countries worked to normalize their diplomatic relations.

Variants and Related Words

• Normally (adverb): Under normal or usual conditions; in a normal manner.
  • I normally take the bus to work.
• Normality/Normalcy (noun): The state of being normal.
  • The city longed for a return to normality after the crisis.
• Normalize (verb): See "Advanced Usage" above.
• Normalization (noun): The process of making something normal.
• Abnormal (adjective): The opposite of normal; deviating from the standard.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Standard, usual, typical, regular, average, conventional, ordinary.
• Noun: Standard, norm, average, rule.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Abnormal, unusual, atypical, irregular, extraordinary, strange.

Related Phrases

• Back to normal: Returning to the usual state or condition.
  • It took a week for the traffic flow to get back to normal.
• Perfectly normal: Completely typical or standard; often used for reassurance.
  • Your reaction is perfectly normal given the circumstances.

Adjective

1. forming a right angle
2. being approximately average or within certain limits in e.g. intelligence and development
   • a perfectly normal child
   • of normal intelligence
   • the most normal person I've ever met
3. in accordance with scientific laws
4. conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal
   • serve wine at normal room temperature
   • normal diplomatic relations
   • normal working hours
   • normal word order
   • normal curiosity
   • the normal course of events

Noun

1. something regarded as a normative example
   • the convention of not naming the main character
   • violence is the rule not the exception
   • his formula for impressing visitors