Ordinarily: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing actions or situations that happen under normal circumstances, without special conditions.

• Ordinarily, he would have taken the bus, but today he decided to walk.
• Ordinarily, people don't swim in the lake during winter.

Used to describe something that happens most of the time on most occasions, but with some exceptions.

• She usually goes for a run in the mornings.
• I usually eat cereal for breakfast.

Used to talk about something that is true in most cases or for most people, often used for broader, more general statements.

• Generally, children start school at the age of six.
• She generally avoids eating fast food.

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.

• A cat typically sleeps for 12-16 hours a day.
• Typically, he arrives at work by 9 AM.

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.

• Ordinarily, she would call her mom every Sunday
• Ordinarily, people don’t run marathons without training

This word is used for describing something that happens under typical or expected conditions.

• Normally, the traffic is light in the morning
• The water heater normally works just fine

This word is used to describe something that is done as part of a tradition or a long-established practice.

• Customarily, they handshake after making a deal
• In that culture, it is customarily to remove shoes before entering a house

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.

• He habitually arrives late to meetings
• She habitually forgets her keys