What does ordinately mean?
Ordinately is a formal adverb meaning in the usual, regular, or customary manner. It is closely related to “ordinarily” and can often be replaced by that more familiar word, although “ordinately” may sound more precise, elevated, or deliberately traditional. The word is useful when describing an action that follows an established pattern or occurs without anything unusual. For example, a ceremony might proceed ordinately, or a routine inspection might be completed ordinately. In contemporary English, “ordinately” is less frequent than “normally,” “usually,” or “typically,” so it can lend a formal or slightly literary quality to a sentence. It is not usually used in idiomatic expressions and should not be confused with “ordinally,” which relates to order or rank.
adverbIn an ordinary, usual, or customary manner.
- In the usual, regular, or customary manner.
"The ceremony proceeded ordinately despite the sudden change in the weather."
"The machinery was ordinarily inspected, and the maintenance crew performed its checks without delay."
"She dressed ordinately for the meeting, wearing a simple dark jacket and trousers."
A formal and relatively uncommon alternative to “ordinarily,” ordinately emphasizes that something happens in the usual or customary way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ordinately come from?
“Ordinately” was formed in English from “ordinary” and the adverb-forming suffix “-ly.” “Ordinary” comes through Old French from Latin ordinarius, meaning “in accordance with order” or “usual,” ultimately from ordo, “order.” Related English words include “ordinal,” “ordinate,” and “ordain,” all reflecting the same Latin root.
How ordinately is actually used
Formal and less common than “ordinarily.” It can sometimes suggest that an action is routine or unexceptional, sometimes with a slightly old-fashioned tone.