Ordinaire (en. Ordinary)

/ɔʁ.dɛ.nɛʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
Which is unremarkable, banal.
This dish is very ordinary, it has nothing exceptional.
Ce plat est très ordinaire, il n'a rien d'exceptionnel.
Refers to a person who does not stand out by particular qualities or talents.
He is an ordinary student, neither particularly bright nor struggling.
Il est un élève ordinaire, ni particulièrement brillant ni en difficulté.
Which is usual, common.
We took the ordinary train to go to Paris.
Nous avons pris le train ordinaire pour aller à Paris.

Etymology

From Latin 'ordinarius', which means 'pertaining to an order'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

an ordinary person
A person who does not stand out, who is like everyone else.
une personne ordinaire
it's ordinary
This is common or uninteresting.
c'est ordinaire
to be quite ordinary
To be normal, without exceptional characteristics.
être tout à fait ordinaire

Related Words

ordinarily
Adverb meaning 'usually'.
ordinairement
ordinary service
Means 'regular', especially in an administrative context.
ordinaire d'un service
to ordain
Verb meaning to organize or arrange something.
ordiner

Slang Meanings

Banal, which does not inspire enthusiasm.
This movie is really ordinary, I wouldn't recommend it.
Ce film est vraiment ordinaire, je ne le recommanderais pas.
Of average quality, without appeal.
His style is ordinary, it brings nothing new.
Son style est ordinaire, il n'apporte rien de nouveau.