Definitions
- Describing a lack of excellence or distinction in a particular field or activity. - Referring to a state of being average, ordinary, or unremarkable. - Talking about a person or thing that is not outstanding or exceptional.
- Describing something that is common, usual, or typical. - Referring to a person or thing that is not special, extraordinary, or exceptional. - Talking about a situation or event that is not unusual or remarkable.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a lack of exceptional qualities.
- 2Both words refer to things that are not outstanding or remarkable.
- 3Both words can be used to describe people, things, or situations.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Mediocrity is typically used to describe a lack of excellence or distinction in a particular field or activity, while ordinary is more general and can be used to describe anything that is not special or extraordinary.
- 2Connotation: Mediocrity has a negative connotation, implying a lack of effort or ability, while ordinary is neutral and does not carry a negative or positive connotation.
- 3Scope: Mediocrity is more specific and limited to a particular field or activity, while ordinary can be applied to a wide range of contexts.
- 4Intensity: Mediocrity implies a lower level of quality or achievement than ordinary, which simply means not exceptional.
- 5Frequency: Ordinary is a more common word than mediocrity and is used more frequently in everyday language.
Remember this!
Mediocrity and ordinary both describe a lack of exceptional qualities, but they differ in their usage, connotation, scope, intensity, and frequency. Mediocrity is typically used to describe a lack of excellence or distinction in a particular field or activity, while ordinary is more general and can be applied to a wide range of contexts. Mediocrity has a negative connotation, while ordinary is neutral. Mediocrity implies a lower level of quality or achievement than ordinary, which simply means not exceptional. Finally, ordinary is a more common word than mediocrity and is used more frequently in everyday language.
