Word
ordinarily
Phoneticsor·di·nar·i·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɔɹdəˈnɛɹəɫi/
UK/ˌɔːdɪnˈɛɹəli/
Sentence adverb
Definition
adv. in a normal way or under usual conditions. You use this to describe what happens most of the time when nothing special is going on.
adv. under normal or usual circumstances; in a common or standard manner.
Examples
“Ordinarily, I take the bus to work.”
“Ordinarily, the shop closes at six, but they are staying open late for the holiday sale.”
“While the procedure is ordinarily straightforward and carries minimal risk, the surgeon must remain vigilant for any anatomical anomalies that could complicate the recovery process.”
Examples
simple
“Ordinarily, I take the bus to work.”
contextual
“Ordinarily, the shop closes at six, but they are staying open late for the holiday sale.”
complex
“While the procedure is ordinarily straightforward and carries minimal risk, the surgeon must remain vigilant for any anatomical anomalies that could complicate the recovery process.”
Usage
Often functions as a sentence adverb, typically placed at the beginning of a clause to set the context of normality.
Real-World Examples
“In the depths of Arctic winter, newly opened gaps in the ice would ordinarily freeze over again within several days.” “I wouldn’t ordinarily use that term to describe a film, but it fits The Last Sunrise (indifferently directed by Carlson Young) like a glove.” Etymology
From ordinary + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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