Pronunciation: /ˈɔːrdəˌnɛri/

Definitions of ordinary

noun A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'ordinary' can also be used as a noun to refer to something that is common or usual.

Example Sentences

A1 I prefer the ordinary over the extravagant.

A2 She found beauty in the ordinary things in life.

B1 The artist's work celebrates the beauty of the ordinary.

B2 The novel explores the complexities hidden within the ordinary.

C1 The philosopher delved deep into the nature of the ordinary human experience.

C2 The poet's words elevated the ordinary to the extraordinary.

adjective An adjective is a word that describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'ordinary' describes a noun and tells us more about it.

Example Sentences

A1 I live in an ordinary house.

A2 She wore an ordinary dress to the party.

B1 The town had an ordinary market selling everyday goods.

B2 Despite his extraordinary talents, he preferred living an ordinary life.

C1 The book offers a deep analysis of ordinary people's lives.

C2 The artist's work challenges the concept of ordinary beauty.

Examples of ordinary in a Sentence

formal The book was about the lives of ordinary people in a small town.

informal I'm just an ordinary guy trying to make a living.

slang She's just an ordinary Jane, nothing special.

figurative His cooking may seem ordinary, but it's actually quite delicious.

Grammatical Forms of ordinary

past tense

ordained

plural

ordinaries

comparative

more ordinary

superlative

most ordinary

present tense

is ordinary

future tense

will be ordinary

perfect tense

has been ordinary

continuous tense

is being ordinary

singular

ordinary

positive degree

ordinary

infinitive

to be ordinary

gerund

being ordinary

participle

ordinary

Origin and Evolution of ordinary

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'ordinary' originated from the Latin word 'ordinarius' meaning 'regular, usual, orderly'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'ordinary' evolved to also mean 'commonplace, average, or unremarkable'. It is often used to describe something that is regular or customary.