ordinary
/'ɔ:dnri/
Definition
Adjective:
- Not special, different, or unusual; of the usual or common type: Describes something that is typical, average, or standard, without any remarkable or distinctive features.
- Having no special rank or status; common: Refers to people or things that are not distinguished from the general mass.
Noun:
- The usual or commonplace condition or situation: Refers to the normal state of affairs.
- A clergyman appointed to prepare condemned prisoners for death: A specific ecclesiastical role.
- A judge of a probate court: A specific legal role.
- A simple meal served at a fixed price in a restaurant: A dated term for a basic meal.
- An early type of bicycle with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel: A historical object.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The furniture was very ordinary and lacked any unique style.
- He was just an ordinary man living an ordinary life.
- It was an ordinary Tuesday with nothing special planned.
Noun:
- The results were nothing out of the ordinary. (Here, "the ordinary" means the usual state of things.)
- In the 19th century, the ordinary was a popular form of transportation. (Referring to the bicycle.)
Advanced Usage
"in ordinary": In regular service or employment. This is a formal, often historical, phrase.
- He served as a physician in ordinary to the king. (Meaning he was the king's regular, appointed doctor.)
"out of the ordinary": Unusual, remarkable, or different from what is normal. This is a common fixed phrase.
- The scientist was looking for anything out of the ordinary in the data.
Variants and Related Words
- Ordinarily (adverb): Usually, in an ordinary way.
- I ordinarily take the bus to work.
- Ordinariness (noun): The quality of being ordinary.
- The ordinariness of the scene made it feel familiar and safe.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Common, usual, normal, standard, average, commonplace, routine, unremarkable, everyday.
- Noun (for the usual condition): Norm, standard, usual, commonplace.
Antonyms
- Adjective: Extraordinary, unusual, exceptional, special, remarkable, outstanding, unique.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "The ordinary man/woman in the street": The average, typical person.
- Politicians need to listen to the concerns of the ordinary man in the street.
- "In the ordinary course of events/things": As things usually happen.
- In the ordinary course of events, the package should arrive tomorrow.
Adjective
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lacking special distinction, rank, or status; commonly encountered
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average people
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the ordinary (or common) man in the street
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not exceptional in any way especially in quality or ability or size or degree
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ordinary everyday objects
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ordinary decency
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an ordinary day
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an ordinary wine
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Noun
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(heraldry) any of several conventional figures used on shields
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an early bicycle with a very large front wheel and small back wheel
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a clergyman appointed to prepare condemned prisoners for death
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the expected or commonplace condition or situation
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not out of the ordinary
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a judge of a probate court
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