Ordinarily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
ordinarily
[หษหrdษชnษrษชli ]
Definitions
in usual circumstances
According to the usual order of things; most of the time; generally.
Synonyms
generally, typically, usually.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ordinarily |
Used when describing actions or situations that happen under normal circumstances, without special conditions.
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| usually |
Used to describe something that happens most of the time on most occasions, but with some exceptions.
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| generally |
Used to talk about something that is true in most cases or for most people, often used for broader, more general statements.
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| typically |
Used to describe something that is characteristic of a particular type of person or thing, often what you would expect from a particular situation or type of person.
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Examples of usage
- He was ordinarily a quiet person, but today he seemed agitated.
- I would ordinarily take the bus to work, but today I decided to walk instead.
in a normal or customary manner
In a normal or customary way.
Synonyms
customarily, habitually, normally.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ordinarily |
This word is used again, but since it is repeated, I can highlight that it's similar to 'normally' but may carry a slight sense of exception or variation.
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| normally |
This word is used for describing something that happens under typical or expected conditions.
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| customarily |
This word is used to describe something that is done as part of a tradition or a long-established practice.
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| habitually |
This word has a slight negative connotation and suggests that the action is done so regularly that it has become a habit, often implying a lack of thought or effort to change.
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Examples of usage
- She eats her breakfast ordinarily at 7 am every day.
- The event proceeded ordinarily without any issues.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Context
- Ordinary life is often celebrated in art and literature, highlighting the beauty of everyday experiences.
- In Japanese culture, there is a term 'wabi-sabi' which appreciates the beauty in the ordinary and imperfect.
- In films, the concept of 'ordinary' often stands as a backdrop to extraordinary events, making them more impactful.
Psychology
- Psychologists explore how ordinary experiences shape our identity and sense of normalcy.
- Routine and ordinary activities can bring stability and comfort, reducing anxiety in people's lives.
- The 'ordinary' can paradoxically enhance our appreciation for extraordinary moments.
Linguistics
- The adverb 'ordinarily' can change meaning based on context; it can imply frequency or typicality.
- It is often juxtaposed with words like 'exceptionally' or 'rarely', emphasizing its normalcy.
- In discussions about language, using adverbs like 'ordinarily' helps convey subtle meanings about habits and customs.
Education
- Teaching learners about normalcy and routines can enhance their understanding of stability and social norms.
- In social studies, discussions around 'ordinary' aspects of life help students connect with cultural and historical contexts.
- Educators use the concept of 'ordinary' to inspire critical thinking about how norms can be challenged and changed.
Origin of 'ordinarily'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'ordinarius', meaning 'regular' or 'customary'.
- The prefix 'or-' indicates a state of being, while '-dinary' relates to order or arrangement.
- The transition to English occurred as Latin influenced the development of Old French and then Middle English.
The word 'ordinarily' originated from the Middle English word 'ordinarily', which came from the Old French word 'ordinairement'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The term is derived from the Latin word 'ordinarius', meaning 'regular, usual'.
See also: extraordinarily, ordinariness.