Ordinaire

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Characterizing something as common or average in quality or nature; describing a style or manner that lacks distinction or uniqueness; referring to individuals or items that are unremarkable or typically found in everyday life
2. Denoting an ordinary or standard state that is not exceptional or noteworthy; indicating a conventional approach that does not deviate from the norm; signifying those who are usual or commonplace, rather than extraordinary
3. Representing the typical as opposed to the extraordinary in appearance or significance; illustrating a mundane essence lacking in flair or creativity; labeling entities or experiences that are representative of general expectations rather than outstanding characteristics

Etymology: Ordinaire arrived in English straight from French, where it had long meant "usual" or "customary." Its root is the Latin "ordo," meaning a row, rank, or order, the same stem that gives English "order" and "ordinance." The Latin "ordinarius" grew from that idea of things arranged in their proper place, so something ordinary was something that kept to its rank, the regular and expected course of affairs. The French form carries that sense of routine. In English the word is now mostly used in the phrase "of ordinary quality" and as a noun for the everyday, unexceptional thing, though the stronger note of the original is a matter of proper order rather than mere plainness.

Synonyms: ordinary, common, average, mediocre

Antonyms: extraordinary, exceptional, remarkable