ordinary

/ˈɔrdəˌnɛri/
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Having no unusual, special, or exceptional quality and fitting what is normally expected.

Examples

  • The recipe uses ordinary flour.
  • It looked like an ordinary house from the street.
  • She turned an ordinary meal into a celebration.
  • Nothing ordinary could explain the strange noise.
  • Tuesday was an ordinary day at the office.

Similar words

normal
everyday
usual
regular
typical
common

Meanings

Normal and unexceptional

adjective
everyday
neutral
Having the usual qualities of its kind, without being special, unusual, or notably impressive.

Examples

  • It looked like an ordinary house from the street.
  • Tuesday was an ordinary day at the office.
  • The recipe uses ordinary flour.
  • Nothing ordinary could explain the strange noise.
  • She turned an ordinary meal into a celebration.

Similar words

Etymology

From Middle English ordinarie, through Old French from Latin ordinarius, “regular” or “according to order,” derived from ordo, “order.”

FAQ

What does ordinary mean?

It describes someone or something normal, usual, and not especially remarkable.

Does ordinary have a negative meaning?

Not always. It is often neutral, but it can suggest that something is unimpressive in a context where more was expected.

What is the opposite of ordinary?

Common opposites include extraordinary, unusual, exceptional, and remarkable.

Can ordinary describe people?

Yes. An ordinary person is someone without special rank, fame, or unusual qualities.

How is ordinary pronounced?

It is pronounced /ˈɔrdəˌnɛri/ in General American English.

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