ordinarily

American  

[awr-dn-air-uh-lee, awr-dn-er-uh-lee] / ˌɔr dnˈɛər ə li, ˈɔr dnˌɛr ə li /

adverb

1. most of the time; generally; usually.

   Ordinarily he wakes at seven.

2. in an unexceptional manner or fashion; modestly.

   a wealthy child who was dressed ordinarily.

3. to the usual extent; reasonably.

   to expect someone to be ordinarily honest.

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ordinarily British  

/ ˈɔːdəˌnɛrɪlɪ, ˈɔːdənrɪlɪ /

adverb

1. in ordinary, normal, or usual practice; usually; normally

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Etymology

Origin of ordinarily

First recorded in 1525–35; ordinary + -ly

Example Sentences

Ordinarily, congressional districts are redrawn after each census.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Ordinarily the country, which holds the joint record for most wins with Sweden, would join the rest of Europe in eagerly awaiting Saturday's grand final.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Ordinarily, in federal courts, a case begins in a federal district court.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

Ordinarily, the Fed would be content to look past the temporary boost to inflation from higher oil and focus on its damage to incomes and spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Ordinarily that would mean I would go to the church in the morning, and try to make the rest of the day a day of rest.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

Related Words

• commonly
• customarily
• generally
• normally
• regularly