ordinariness

Word family

• ordinary
  adjectiveB1
• ordinarily
  adverbB2
• extraordinary
  adjectiveB2
• extraordinariness
  nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

When you talk about ordinariness, normality, plainness, and mundaneness, the focus changes slightly. Ordinariness is about something feeling unremarkable in a way you notice, often because it is set beside surprise, beauty, or drama. Normality is broader and more neutral: it simply says that something matches what is expected. Plainness usually points more directly to appearance or style, especially when nothing is decorated or striking. Mundaneness is more negative and often suggests boredom. Familiarity is different again, because it comes from knowing something well. A doctor may speak of normality in test results, but a critic is more likely to notice the ordinariness of family meals in a small kitchen.

Common collocations

Etymology

Ordinariness is formed from ordinary and the noun suffix -ness. Ordinary entered English through Old French from Latin ordinarius, a word connected with order and regular arrangement. By adding -ness, English created a noun for the quality of fitting the usual order of things rather than standing out from it.