ordinary

[ˈɔːdənri]

ordinary Definition

  • 1with no special or distinctive features; normal
  • 2belonging to the usual order of things; commonplace
  • 3not interesting or different in any way

Using ordinary: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ordinary" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He lived a very ordinary life.

  • Example

    The food was good but the service was quite ordinary.

  • Example

    There was nothing ordinary about the way she sang.

  • Example

    I'm just an ordinary person trying to make a living.

ordinary Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using ordinary

  • something that is not unusual or unexpected

    Example

    The party was fun, but nothing out of the ordinary happened.

  • run-of-the-mill (ordinary)

    something that is common or average

    Example

    The hotel was just a run-of-the-mill establishment, nothing special.

  • take for granted (ordinary)

    to not appreciate something because it is always available or present

    Example

    We often take for granted the ordinary things in life, like clean water and fresh air.

Phrases with ordinary

  • people who are not famous or powerful

    Example

    Ordinary people like us can't afford to buy such expensive cars.

  • language that is used in everyday situations, as opposed to specialized or technical language

    Example

    The book is written in ordinary language, making it easy for anyone to understand.

  • in the Christian liturgical calendar, the period outside of the major festivals and seasons

    Example

    The church celebrates Ordinary Time between Christmas and Lent.

Origins of ordinary

from Latin 'ordinarius', meaning 'regular, customary'

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Summary: ordinary in Brief

The term 'ordinary' [ˈɔːdənri] refers to something with no special or distinctive features, belonging to the usual order of things, or not interesting or different in any way. It can describe anything from a person's life to their singing voice, as in 'He lived a very ordinary life.' 'Ordinary' extends into phrases like 'ordinary people,' and idioms like 'nothing out of the ordinary,' denoting something that is not unusual or unexpected.

How do native speakers use this expression?