Sekirov Dictionary

ordinary

UK /ˈɔːdɪnəɹi/US /ˈɔɹdɪnɛɹi/

adjective 4
noun 18
forms 4
phrases 1

adjective4

•
common and like many others, with nothing special or interesting about it
- I live a very ordinary life most of the time, but every year I spend a week in Antarctica.
- He looked so ordinary, I never thought he'd be capable of murder.
•
Being part of the natural order of things; normal, customary, routine.
- On an ordinary day I wake up at nine o'clock, work for six hours, and then go to the gym.
•
(Australia, informal) Bad or undesirable.
- It was, in some ways a sad, almost pathetic sight to see this great American boat which had fought so hard throughout the cup summer, now looking very ordinary indeed. — 1983
Having regular jurisdiction; now only used in certain phrases.

noun18

Something ordinary or regular.
•
An ordinary person or thing; something commonplace.
- Spain had no other wars save those of the Low Countries, which were grown into an ordinary — 1627
•
(Ireland, Scotland) The usual course of things; normal condition or health; a standard way of behaviour or action.
- I see no more in you than in the ordinary / Of nature's salework. — 1598
The part of the Roman Catholic Mass that is the same every day
A part of the Christian liturgy that is reasonably constant without regard to the date on which the service is performed.
A person with authority; authority, ordinance.
A person having immediate jurisdiction in a given case of ecclesiastical law, such as the bishop within a diocese.
A judge with the authority to deal with cases himself or herself rather than by delegation.
One of the standard geometric designs placed across the center of a coat of arms, such as a pale or fess.
(historical) A penny farthing bicycle.
A book setting out ordinary or regular conduct.
A rule, or book of rules, prescribing the order of a liturgy, especially of Mass.
•
(historical) A meal provided for a set price at an eating establishment.
- In short, Mr. Jolter could give a very good account of the stages on the road, and […] was a connoisseur in ordinaries, from twelve to five and thirty livres […]. — 1751
•
(historical) The chaplain of Newgate prison, who prepared condemned prisoners for death.
- He died with pious composure and resolution. I have just seen the Ordinary that attended him. — 1791
(no longer used) A devotional manual; a book setting our rules for proper conduct.
(no longer used) Customary fare, one's regular daily allowance of food; (hence) a regular portion or allowance.
•
(no longer used, historical) A place where such meals are served; a public tavern, inn.
- I was at the Ordinary last fair day, and there was nothing else talked of. — 1919
•
(no longer used) A courier; someone delivering mail or post.
- I […] will lay to till you come within hail […] but pray respond by the first ordinary. — 1819

forms

ordinaries · more ordinary · most ordinary · ordinariest

Phrases with ordinary

out of the ordinary
Extraordinary, unusual, or exceptional, especially for the better.

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