Ordinary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ordinary
[ˈɔːdən(ə)ri ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Adjective
everyday life
Having no special or distinctive features; normal.
Synonyms
average, common, normal, usual.
Examples of usage
- It was just an ordinary day at work.
- She lived in an ordinary house on an ordinary street.
- He was an ordinary man with ordinary dreams.
Context #2 | Noun
British English
A judge of the High Court of Justice.
Examples of usage
- The ordinary wears a wig and a gown in court.
- The ordinary made a ruling in the case.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'ordinary'
Main points about word origin
- 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'.
The word 'ordinary' originated from the Latin word 'ordinarius', meaning 'orderly, regular'. It was first used in the English language in the late Middle Ages. Over time, the word evolved to encompass meanings related to normalcy and commonality. In British English, 'ordinary' also refers to a judge of the High Court of Justice.