Definitions
- Describing something that is ordinary or unremarkable. - Referring to something that is frequently encountered or seen. - Talking about something that is considered typical or usual.
- Describing something that is not special or extraordinary. - Referring to something that is average or typical. - Talking about something that is common or usual.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe things that are not exceptional or extraordinary.
- 2Both words convey the idea of something being typical or usual.
- 3Both words can be used to describe everyday objects or experiences.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Commonplace is more commonly used as an adjective, while ordinary can be used as both an adjective and a noun.
- 2Connotation: Commonplace often implies a lack of originality or uniqueness, while ordinary simply suggests something that is not extraordinary.
- 3Frequency: Commonplace suggests something that is encountered frequently, while ordinary does not necessarily imply frequency.
- 4Formality: Commonplace is slightly more formal than ordinary, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 5Emphasis: Commonplace emphasizes the lack of special qualities, while ordinary focuses on the average or typical nature of something.
Remember this!
Commonplace and ordinary are synonyms that describe things that are not exceptional or extraordinary. While they share similarities in meaning, there are some differences in usage and connotation. Commonplace is often used as an adjective and implies a lack of originality or uniqueness, while ordinary can be used as both an adjective and a noun and simply suggests something that is not extraordinary.
