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

See Examples For:

ordinarily

It was an unusually intense mobilization around an ingredient whose primary job is ordinarily to provide a little cold crunch between seasoned beef and sour cream.

From Salon ● Sep. 13, 2026

A similar move at other German carmakers would ordinarily require a simple majority.

From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026

During El Niño, the subtropical Pacific high, which ordinarily helps maintain dry conditions over the region, becomes weaker.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 1, 2026

Instead, production inside a designated allied industrial base should ordinarily be permitted unless a specific national-security reason requires otherwise.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

Now ordinarily I would be happy to see Skeezie, do not get me wrong.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe

Related Words

• commonly
• customarily
• generally
• normally
• regularly