Vocabulary word Ordinary - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Common and Ordinary

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Middle School 13

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TOEFL 10

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Dictionary Definition of ordinary

A state or condition of being regular, common, or usual.
"The artist was known for transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art."

Detailed Meaning of Ordinary

It denotes the absence of anything extraordinary, exceptional, or remarkable. When something is described as ordinary, it suggests that it is typical or average, lacking any distinctive or remarkable features. The term can be applied to various aspects of life, such as everyday activities, objects, experiences, or individuals. It implies a sense of familiarity and conformity to established norms or standards. In a broader context, "ordinary" can also refer to a specific rank or position within certain organizations or institutions, such as religious orders or legal systems. Overall, the noun "ordinary" signifies a state or quality of being unremarkable, average, or commonplace.

Example Sentences for Ordinary

1. The grocery store stocked all the ordinary items such as bread, milk, and eggs.
2. After a long day at work, I prefer to engage in ordinary activities like reading or watching TV.
3. The ordinary tasks of washing dishes and doing laundry can be quite mundane.
4. She preferred an ordinary cup of coffee without any fancy flavors or additions.
5. Their wedding was a small and ordinary affair, held at the local community center.
6. Despite his extraordinary talents, he always presented himself as an ordinary person.

Origin and Etymology of Ordinary

The noun 'ordinary' has its etymology in the Latin word 'ordinarius,' which means 'regular,' 'customary,' or 'usual.' In Latin, 'ordinarius' is derived from 'ordo,' meaning 'order' or 'rank.' This etymology reflects the fundamental idea of 'ordinary' as a state or condition of being regular, common, or usual within a specific order or pattern. As the word 'ordinary' evolved in English, it retained this sense, describing things or circumstances that conform to established norms and are not exceptional or extraordinary. Whether used to describe everyday objects or common occurrences, 'ordinary' carries the notion of being typical and unremarkable, rooted in its Latin origins in the concept of order and regularity.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun ordinary:

unusual

extraordinary

common

exceptional

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More Usage Examples of Ordinary

1. The film told the extraordinary story of an ordinary man who became a hero.
2. He wore ordinary clothes and blended in with the crowd to avoid attention.
3. The scientist made a groundbreaking discovery using an ordinary microscope.
4. The ordinary citizen took part in local elections to voice their opinions and make a difference.
5. The book explored the extraordinary power of finding beauty in the ordinary moments of life.
6. In this extraordinary world, being ordinary can be refreshing.
7. She found beauty in the ordinary moments of life.
8. Despite his fame, he led an utterly ordinary existence.
9. The neighborhood park is an oasis of ordinary joy.
10. It's the ordinary people who often make the biggest impact.
11. The restaurant serves extraordinary dishes, not just ordinary fare.
12. Their love story was anything but ordinary.
13. Finding magic in the ordinary is an art.
14. The film depicted the extraordinary in ordinary lives.
15. Even an ordinary day can hold surprises.
16. Embracing the ordinary can lead to contentment.
17. He wore ordinary clothes to blend in with the crowd.
18. The small town had an endearing, ordinary charm.
19. The beauty of an ordinary sunset is often overlooked.
20. Life's greatest treasures are found in the ordinary.
21. Her kindness was a beacon of light in an ordinary world.
22. He preferred an ordinary cup of coffee to fancy drinks.
23. They celebrated the ordinary moments with enthusiasm.
24. An ordinary smile can brighten someone's day.
25. The charm of the town lay in its ordinary simplicity.