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

During the period when RTÉ would ordinarily be showing the Eurovision grand final, it will instead air Father Ted's Eurovision-themed episode A Song for Europe.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

He said security arrangements on such visits were ordinarily very tight but they should be reviewed afresh "to make sure there are no loopholes at all".

From BBC • Apr. 26, 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

A scandal of this magnitude might ordinarily create an opportunity for a reset.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

She was never coy, and she would have ordinarily replied much sooner.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• commonly
• customarily
• generally
• normally
• regularly