What does ordinarily mean?
Ordinarily means usually, normally, or as a general rule. It describes what is most commonly true or what happens in the standard course of events, often with a formal or professional tone. For example, a statement that a service is ordinarily available during office hours indicates that this is its normal pattern, though exceptions may occur. The adverb is especially common in legal, administrative, academic, and business contexts, where it helps distinguish the usual rule from an unusual case. In everyday conversation, normally is generally more familiar and natural, while typically and usually convey similar ideas. Ordinarily can also describe the customary function of a person or thing, as in a building that is ordinarily used as a classroom. Although closely related in meaning to ordinary, the two words have different grammatical roles: ordinarily is an adverb modifying an action or statement, while ordinary is an adjective describing something as usual or typical.
adverbIn the usual way or as a normal rule; typically.
- Normally or as a usual rule.
- In the usual or customary way.
- In the ordinary course of events.
"The museum is ordinarily closed on Mondays, but it opens today for a special exhibition."
"Ordinarily, the application is reviewed within ten working days."
"The building is ordinarily used for lectures, although it can also host community events."
Ordinarily is the more formal equivalent of usually, often lending a precise, professional tone to a statement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ordinarily come from?
Ordinarily derives from ordinary, which came through Old French from Latin ordinarius, meaning ordinary or customary. The Latin word was related to ordo, order or rank, and to ordinare, to arrange or put in order. The same broad root appears in words such as ordinal, ordinate, and ordination, although their modern meanings have developed along separate lines.
Related word forms
How ordinarily is actually used
Ordinarily has a formal or professional register and is less common in everyday speech than normally or usually. It can also mean in the usual way when describing the normal use or function of something.
Easily confused with ordinarily
Ordinary is an adjective meaning usual or typical, whereas ordinarily is an adverb meaning usually or in the normal way.