Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Usual: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

usual

 

[ˈjuːʒʊəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in everyday life

Commonly encountered, experienced, or observed; ordinary.

Synonyms

common, normal, regular, typical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
usual

Used to describe something that happens most often or typically in a specific context. It can imply something expected based on past experiences.

  • It's usual for him to drink a cup of coffee in the morning.
  • She arrived at the usual time.
regular

Describes something that happens at consistent intervals or follows a predictable pattern. It can also refer to things that conform to custom or routine.

  • He goes for regular check-ups at the doctor.
  • They have a regular meeting every Monday.
typical

Used to represent something that is characteristic or representative of a particular group or pattern. It often refers to traits or behaviors that are common within a certain category.

  • It's typical for her to be late.
  • A typical day at the office involves a lot of emails and meetings.
common

Describes something frequently encountered or widespread. It can refer to things shared by many people or things.

  • It's common for people to feel nervous before an interview.
  • Back pain is a common complaint among adults.
normal

Refers to something that is standard or expected in a particular situation, often in contrast to something unusual or abnormal.

  • It's perfectly normal to feel tired after a long day.
  • Her temperature is back to normal now.

Examples of usage

  • It's just the usual routine in the office.
  • She gave her usual friendly smile to everyone she passed by.
Context #2 | Noun

habitual behavior

The thing that is commonly or generally done or encountered; what is normal or expected.

Synonyms

custom, habit, routine, tradition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
usual

Use this word to describe something that happens regularly or is the norm for a given situation.

  • She wore her usual outfit to work.
  • It's usual for him to be late on Mondays.
habit

This word refers to something a person does regularly, often subconsciously, and can have either a positive or negative connotation.

  • She has a habit of biting her nails when she's nervous.
  • Exercising every morning is a good habit.
custom

This word is best for describing a traditional practice or a specific way of doing something that is unique to a particular society or group.

  • It's a custom in Japan to take off your shoes before entering a house.
  • The village has a unique custom of celebrating the harvest.
tradition

Use this word to talk about practices or beliefs that are handed down through generations and are part of the history or culture of a group or society.

  • It's a family tradition to gather for dinner every Sunday.
  • The tradition of lighting candles during the holidays is very important to them.
routine

This word is used to describe a set schedule or sequence of activities that are followed regularly, often daily.

  • His morning routine includes jogging and having coffee.
  • She quickly fell into the routine of her new job.

Examples of usage

  • His usual is to have a cup of coffee in the morning.
  • She ordered her usual at the restaurant.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Latin 'usuaris', meaning to use, which evolved into the Old French 'usuel'.
  • It has been part of the English language since the 15th century, showcasing how language evolves over time.

Psychology

  • People tend to prefer familiar experiences, which can lead to the comfort associated with 'usual' routines.
  • Routine behaviors are often linked to reduced anxiety, proving that the usual can be beneficial for mental health.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, traditional practices define what is considered 'usual', such as festivals or daily rituals.
  • Social norms guide what people consider usual, influencing behavior across different settings.

Literature

  • The concept of the usual appears frequently in literature, often contrasting with the extraordinary to highlight character development.
  • Authors explore the tension between the usual and the unexpected to create themes of conflict or change.

Science

  • In scientific experiments, 'usual' conditions serve as a baseline to compare against 'unusual' or outlier results.
  • Understanding usual behaviors in animals is crucial for animal welfare and conservation efforts.

Translations

Translations of the word "usual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 usual

🇮🇳 सामान्य

🇩🇪 gewöhnlich

🇮🇩 biasa

🇺🇦 звичайний

🇵🇱 zwykły

🇯🇵 普通の (futsū no)

🇫🇷 habituel

🇪🇸 usual

🇹🇷 sıradan

🇰🇷 보통의 (botong-ui)

🇸🇦 عادي

🇨🇿 obvyklý

🇸🇰 obyčajný

🇨🇳 通常的 (tōngcháng de)

🇸🇮 običajen

🇮🇸 venjulegur

🇰🇿 әдеттегі

🇬🇪 ჩვეულებრივი (chveulebrivi)

🇦🇿 adi

🇲🇽 usual

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,185, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.