usual
adj. · n.-
1 typical or frequent (adj.) A2 Elementarysomething that happens most of the time or is what you expect to see.
occurring or used most commonly; conforming to a typical pattern or habit.
ExampleI went for my usual walk in the park after finishing work.
ExampleDespite the heavy rain, the shop opened at its usual time to accommodate the early morning commuters.
PitfallAs usual than before, he was late.As usual, he was late.The phrase 'as usual' is a fixed expression and does not take 'than'.
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2 a regular order (n.) B1 Intermediate Informalthe drink or food that you always order in a place you visit often.
a specific item, typically a drink or meal, that a customer habitually orders in a particular establishment.
ExampleThe bartender saw me coming and already had my usual ready on the counter.
ExampleHe didn't even look at the menu, simply nodding to the waiter who knew to bring his usual of black coffee and a croissant.
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3 the normal state (n.) B1 Intermediatethe way things normally are.
the typical or expected state of affairs; often used in the phrase 'than usual'.
ExampleThe streets were much quieter than usual on Sunday morning.
ExampleThe traffic was significantly heavier than usual due to the construction work on the main bridge.
UsageCommonly follows 'than' or 'as' to compare a current state to a typical one.
From Middle English usual, from Old French usuel, from Latin ūsuālis (“for use, fit for use, also of common use, customary, common, ordinary, usual”), from ūsus (“use, habit, custom”), from the past participle stem of ūtī (“to use”), possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₃eyt- (“to take along, fetch”). Displaced native Old English ġewunelīċ.