Ordinary: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'ordinarius', meaning 'regular' or 'ordinary'.
• It entered English in the late 14th century, originally referred to a certain type of person or thing with no special status.
• Historically, the term has often been used in religious contexts, denoting regular clerics as opposed to those who were 'extraordinary'.

Cultural Significance

• The concept of the ordinary plays a crucial role in various art movements, such as realism, which aimed to represent everyday life.
• In literature, many authors explore the beauty of ordinary lives, such as in the works of authors like Raymond Carver and Alice Munro.
• The idea of celebrating the ordinary is prevalent in modern mindfulness practices, encouraging people to find joy in everyday moments.

Psychology

• Studies suggest that individuals who appreciate the ordinary aspects of life often report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction.
• The phenomenon of 'ordinary heroism' describes everyday acts of bravery and kindness that impact others, illustrating that being ordinary can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
• Cognitive theories suggest that our brains often seek patterns in ordinary experiences, helping us to understand complex environments.

Pop Culture

• The 'Ordinary People' film from 1980, which won an Academy Award, explored themes of family dynamics and the struggles of a typical American family.
• The concept has been popular in music, with artists like John Legend releasing songs that celebrate everyday love and relationships.
• In the world of fashion, the 'normcore' trend embraces ordinary-looking clothing as a statement against high-fashion exclusivity.

Science

• In physics, ordinary matter makes up stars, planets, and everything we see, contrasting with 'dark matter' and 'dark energy' which are much less understood.
• Biologists study ordinary species and their roles in ecosystems to better understand biodiversity and conservation efforts.
• Ordinary language is often emphasized in scientific communication to ensure ideas are accessible to a broader audience, encouraging knowledge sharing.

Positioned at #1,068, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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