What is ordinary? Pronunciation and usage in English

ordinary means . Learn how to pronounce and use ordinary through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ordinary

ordinaryadjective

/ˈɔːdɪn(ə)ri/
Definition & pronunciation of ordinary

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ordinary" in English. It can be tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables: or-di-nar-y

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • or: Pronounced like the "or" in "for" or "more" - /ɔr/ (The "o" makes an "aw" sound)
  • di: Pronounced like "dee" - /di/
  • nar: Pronounced like "nar" as in "narrate" - /nɑr/ (The "a" is a short "a" sound, like in "father")
  • y: Pronounced like a long "i" - /i/

3. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: OR-dee-NAR-ee

4. Key Tips & Sounds to Focus On:

  • The “or” sound: This is the most common point of confusion. Think of the "aw" sound.
  • The "nar" sound: It’s not like the “narrate” sound perfectly, but it's a similar nasal sound. Try to let the air flow partly through your nose as you say it.
  • The long “i” at the end: Make sure to hold the “i” sound for a slightly longer duration.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Your native language can influence pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word ordinary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ordinary" in English. It's a versatile word with slightly different nuances, so understanding those differences is key.

1. Basic Meaning: Common, Usual, Not Special

  • Definition: "Ordinary" means commonplace, usual, normal, or lacking distinction. It describes something that isn't remarkable or exciting.

  • Examples:

    • "This is an ordinary cup – nothing fancy." (It's a regular, standard cup, not a unique one.)
    • "He has an ordinary job as a clerk." (It’s a typical, unremarkable job.)
    • "The weather today is ordinary - just cloudy and mild." (It’s not particularly good or bad.)

2. Adjectives (Describing Nouns):

This is the most common way to use "ordinary."

  • Describing people: "She's an ordinary girl." (She's not exceptionally talented, beautiful, or interesting.)
  • Describing things: "It's an ordinary car." (It's a standard, mass-produced car, not a sports car or a luxury vehicle.)
  • Describing situations: “It was an ordinary day.” (Nothing happened to stand out.)

3. Adverb (Describing Verbs - Less Common):

“Ordinary” can also be used as an adverb, though it's less frequently seen. It means in a regular or normal way.

  • Example: “He acts ordinarily politely.” (He’s polite in a normal, expected way, not strangely or dramatically.)

4. Figurative Uses & Nuances:

  • "Ordinary" as a slight criticism: Sometimes, "ordinary" can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting something is dull or bland. However, it's not always negative; it can simply be a descriptive observation.

    • “The movie was quite ordinary – nothing new or exciting.” (This suggests the movie lacked originality.)

  • “Ordinary miracles”/“Ordinary people”: This is a phrase used to suggest that acts of kindness, courage, or greatness can come from anyone, not just extraordinary individuals.

    • "It took an ordinary person to save the day." (A regular person, not a superhero, did the heroic thing.)

Here's a breakdown of how it compares to similar words:

  • Common: Very similar to "ordinary," generally interchangeable.
  • Normal: Also similar, focusing on following expected rules or standards.
  • Routine: Emphasizes repetition and predictability.
  • Typical: Similar to "ordinary," but often used to describe something that's characteristic of a group.
  • Average: Often used in statistics to describe a midpoint.

Tips for Using "Ordinary" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the overall tone and situation to determine if "ordinary" is appropriate.
  • Consider synonyms: "Normal," "usual," "common," and “typical” might be better choices depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
  • Don’t overuse it: While "ordinary" is a useful word, relying on it too heavily can make your writing or speech sound flat.

Could you give me a sentence where you'd like me to show you how to use the word "ordinary"? Or would you like me to provide some practice exercises?

Synonyms for the word ordinary

Idioms of the word ordinary

in the ordinary way
(British English)used to say what normally happens in a particular situation
  • In the ordinary way, she's not a nervous person.
out of the ordinary
unusual or different
  • I'm looking for something a little more out of the ordinary.
  • His behaviour was nothing out of the ordinary (= not unusual).

Practice with vocabulary ordinary

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite his exceptional talent, he preferred to live an _________________ life, avoiding public attention.
  2. The software update introduced several new features, but the user interface remained largely _________________ in its design.
  3. For many developing nations, access to clean drinking water is still not a _________________ occurrence.
  4. His presentation was quite _________________, filled with generic slides and uninspired commentary, failing to impress the panel.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes something that is not special, unique, or unusual? a) Extraordinary b) Exceptional c) Ordinary d) Remarkable

  2. The company aims to transform a seemingly ______ task, like data entry, into an engaging and efficient process. a) Mundane b) Challenging c) Ordinary d) Unimportant

  3. Despite the initial excitement, the project's outcome was rather ______, failing to meet the high expectations set by the CEO. a) Commonplace b) Average c) Groundbreaking d) Ordinary

  4. To ensure consistent quality, all products must meet the ______ standards set by the industry. a) Peculiar b) Standard c) Bizarre d) Regular

  5. The new regulations mandate that all employees receive ______ safety training annually. a) Unconventional b) Customary c) Advanced d) Exceptional

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Her daily routine was quite unremarkable, involving work, cooking, and quiet evenings at home. Rewrite using "ordinary":
  2. Original: He felt that his job was rather mundane and lacked any excitement or significant challenges. Rewrite using a related form of "ordinary":
  3. Original: It is a commonly accepted practice to back up important files regularly. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (not "ordinary"):

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. ordinary
  2. ordinary
  3. common
  4. unremarkable

Exercise 2:

  1. c) Ordinary
  2. a) Mundane, c) Ordinary
  3. a) Commonplace, b) Average, d) Ordinary
  4. b) Standard
  5. b) Customary

Exercise 3:

  1. Her daily routine was quite ordinary, involving work, cooking, and quiet evenings at home.
  2. He felt that his job lacked any excitement or significant challenges, bordering on ordinariness.
  3. It is a conventional practice to back up important files regularly.

Comment ()