Definitions
- Describing a person or thing that is average or ordinary in quality, skill, or achievement. - Referring to a state of being unremarkable or lacking distinction. - Talking about a level of performance or ability that is not exceptional or outstanding.
- Describing something that is common, usual, or typical. - Referring to a lack of uniqueness or specialness. - Talking about a state of being average or unremarkable.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a lack of exceptionalism or uniqueness.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people, things, or situations.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
- 4Both words are related to the concept of average or normalcy.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Mediocrity is more commonly used to describe a person's or thing's lack of excellence or quality, while ordinariness is more often used to describe something that is common or typical.
- 2Connotation: Mediocrity has a stronger negative connotation than ordinariness, implying a failure to meet expectations or standards, while ordinariness is more neutral.
- 3Scope: Mediocrity can refer to a specific instance or aspect of something, while ordinariness tends to describe the overall nature or character of something.
- 4Emphasis: Mediocrity emphasizes a lack of skill or talent, while ordinariness emphasizes a lack of uniqueness or specialness.
Remember this!
Mediocrity and ordinariness both describe a lack of exceptionalism or uniqueness, but they differ in their usage, connotation, scope, emphasis, and etymology. Mediocrity is more commonly used to describe a person's or thing's lack of excellence or quality, with a stronger negative connotation, while ordinariness tends to describe something that is common or typical, with a more neutral connotation.
