Word: Ordinary

Pronunciation

/ˈɔːrd(ə)n.eri/

Definitions

• Adjective: Common; usual; not exceptional or unusual. For example: “An ordinary day at the office.”

  • Formal Definition: Belonging to the regular or established order or course of things; normal, standard.

    “The ordinary rules of grammar apply here.”

  • Legal Definition: Referring to something that is routine, customary, or statutory; e.g., an ‘ordinary meeting’ of a company.

• Noun: A regular member of a religious community who is not a priest or monk; also known as a layperson. For example: “The ordinaries of the monastery helped with daily chores.”

  • Historical Context: In heraldry, the ordinary refers to a simple geometrical figure that appears frequently on coats of arms, such as a stripe (fess) or chevron.

Phrases

• “In ordinary circumstances”: Under normal or usual conditions.
• “Ordinary people”: Everyday individuals, not those with special status or powers.
• “To go through the ordinary channels”: To follow standard procedures or protocols.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “She found the ordinary life quite satisfying despite her past adventures.”
• Noun: “The ordinaries of the church community gathered for prayer every morning.”

Synonyms

• Common
• Usual
• Standard
• Normal
• Average
• Conventional
• Routine
• Everyday
• Unexceptional
• Mundane