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.

---

ordinarily British  

/ ˈɔːdəˌnɛrɪlɪ, ˈɔːdənrɪlɪ /

adverb

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

---

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, a stagnant labor force would be devastating for economic growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Ordinarily uncomfortable with hugs, he would have stiffened his shoulders and drawn back; but now, from exhaustion and affection, he held Kira and to his own amazement felt his eyes fill with tears.

From "Messenger" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

• commonly
• customarily
• generally
• normally
• regularly