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ordinary
Describes things that blend into the background because they lack distinguishing marks. It suggests a state of being typical or average, often carrying a neutral tone but occasionally tipping into a negative connotation of being 'uninspired' or 'boring'. Unlike 'common', which often refers to frequency or availability, 'ordinary' focuses on the quality of lacking prestige or uniqueness. While 'normal' implies adherence to a standard or healthy state, 'ordinary' emphasizes the lack of excitement or specialness. In formal or legal contexts, it shifts from describing 'plainness' to describing 'standard procedure'. Here, it refers to the expected path or the routine manner in which things are handled according to established rules.
💬Casual Conversation
i can't do this. my brain is fried and this essay is too ordinary.
just buckle down and finish it. we can grab coffee after.
Meanings
With no special or distinctive features; commonplace.
"It was just an ordinary day at the office."
Not unusual, unexpected, or surprising.
"The situation was far from ordinary given the circumstances."
Examples
It was just an ordinary day at the office.
I just want an ordinary life, you know?
Stop acting like this is some ordinary little mistake!
The weather today seems quite ordinary for April.
Look, this is an ordinary procedure, nothing to fear.
She wears ordinary clothes but has a brilliant mind.
Is this really the ordinary way you treat guests?
I followed the ordinary steps to reset my password.
It felt like an ordinary Tuesday until the sirens started.
Just give me an ordinary black coffee, please.