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

Step into your local supermarket, and you may find that those ordinarily humble broccoli bunches or cauliflower heads now carry higher price tags.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

It is swamping the effects of tariffs and the war with Iran, events that would ordinarily be Category 5 storms in their own right.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Young, urban professionals—known for their college degrees, willingness to work late and such harmless eccentricities as paying large markups for “local” produce—do not ordinarily instill terror.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

After weeks of bombing and counter-strikes, focus has shifted to the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, which ordinarily carries around a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Admittedly this is painful and one is well advised to avoid being stung, just as one ordinarily avoids the sting of wasp or bee.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• commonly
• customarily
• generally
• normally
• regularly