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ordinariness

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˈɔːdɪnərinəs/

US

  • /ˈɔːrdɪnˌɛrinəs/

Description

Ordinariness is not about being bad. It is simply the state of being normal, usual, or average. Think of a quiet Tuesday afternoon: nothing especially exciting happens, and life moves along in its everyday way. That is ordinariness. It can feel comforting and calm, and it can even have its own kind of beauty. Some people look for it when they want a break from stress or chaos, while others want to rise above it and do something unusual. In stories, a character may long for the simple parts of ordinary life after a great adventure. Even a common wildflower can show the quiet beauty of everyday life.

Examples

  1. 1

    Family life

    The film finds humor in the ordinariness of family life.

  2. 2

    Cafe atmosphere

    I liked the cafe's ordinariness: plain tables, cheap coffee, and no music.

  3. 3

    Routine

    There was a comforting ordinariness about his routine after the long trip.

    • Pattern

      an ordinariness about + thing

      a plain or normal feeling that thing has

  4. 4

    Believability

    The very ordinariness of the story makes it easy to believe.

    • Pattern

      the very ordinariness of + thing

      the fact that it is so ordinary

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • ordinarinessnoun