Home » Words beginning with O » How to pronounce Ordinary

How to pronounce Ordinary

How to Pronounce "Ordinary"

Definition: How to say "Ordinary" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ˈɔːrdnˌɛri / awr-duh-ner-ee

How to say "Ordinary" correctly

Here are some definitions of Ordinary.

  • Of no special quality or interest; commonplace
  • Not different or special or unexpected in any way; usual
  • Not particularly good or special; average
  • Not unusual or different in any way
  • Normal or usual

Use Ordinary correctly with the following examples:

  • She lived an ordinary life in a small town.
  • The meal was quite ordinary, nothing to write home about.
  • Despite his extraordinary talents, he preferred to lead an ordinary existence.
  • The shop sold ordinary household items like soap and detergent.
  • The weather forecast predicted ordinary temperatures for the week.

Words close in sound to Ordinary:

Orderly, Ordinance, Ordain, Ordnance, Ordure, Organize, Ordinary, Ordinarily, Ordinate, Ordained,

Synonyms for Ordinary

Common, Average, Usual, Normal, Routine, Typical, Standard, Mundane, Everyday, Plain,

Antonyms for Ordinary

Extraordinary, Special, Unique, Exceptional, Uncommon, Remarkable, Unusual, Extra, Outstanding, Singular,

Review Ordinary
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}

Ways you can pronounce English words more accurately

A few things to keep in mind that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Ordinary‘:

  • Try to Break ‘Ordinary’ down into each vowel, speak it aloud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently repeat it without making a mistake.
  • Record ‘Ordinary‘ in full sentences and then listen back. You’ll be able to find any of your flaws quite easily.
  • Look up pronunciation tutorials on Youtube or Google on how to pronounce ‘Ordinary‘ correctly.
  • Choose a single accent: when you mix multiple accents, it could confuse people, and not just beginners, so select one accent (US or UK), perhaps English and master that!


A few more tips\techniques to boost your pronunciation skills, it’s advised to embrace the following strategies:

Practicing verbal shortening in speech is normal in the U.S. and is seen as a regular element of casual conversation. For instance, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is widely accepted. Delve into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for additional insights.

Working on your intonation is crucial for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English play a significant role in communicating your intended message and emotions. Numerous resources and videos on Youtube can help you in understanding these elements to pronounce ‘Ordinary’.

Engage with several Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer free resources that tackle essential language skills. Pronounce.tv is another outstanding source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Imitating native speakers can greatly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they pronounce ‘Ordinary’ and strive to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it second nature.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily routine. Getting to know and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you better pronounce words that are difficult or unfamiliar.

Regularly use English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more proficient you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

In which accent or dialect would you hear the word ordinary pronounced as ‘awr-duh-ner-ee’?

The pronunciation of the word “ordinary” as ‘awr-duh-ner-ee’ suggests a non-rhotic accent or dialect, where the “r” sound is dropped at the end of syllables and sometimes even in the middle of words. This pronunciation is commonly associated with British English accents, particularly Received Pronunciation (RP) or the accents found in southern England. In these accents, the “r” sound is often not pronounced unless it is followed by a vowel sound, which results in the distinctive pronunciation of words like “ordinary” as ‘awr-duh-ner-ee’.

How would you pronounce the word ordinary in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, the word “ordinary” would typically be pronounced as /ˈɔːrdnˌɛri/. This pronunciation emphasizes each syllable clearly and distinctly, with the stress falling on the first syllable “or.” It is important to enunciate the sounds accurately and maintain a formal tone when pronouncing this word in a formal setting. Practice saying the word slowly and clearly to ensure you are pronouncing it correctly and confidently in any formal situation.

What does very ordinary mean?

When something is described as very ordinary, it means that it is not unique, special, or remarkable in any way. It suggests that the object or person in question lacks any distinctive qualities or characteristics that would make them stand out from others. Being very ordinary implies that something is common, typical, or unexceptional, possibly even mundane or uninteresting. It conveys a sense of mediocrity or averageness, indicating that there is nothing particularly noteworthy or extraordinary about the subject being described as very ordinary.

Can you provide the phonetic transcription for the word ordinary?

The phonetic transcription for the word “ordinary” is /ˈɔːrdnˌɛri/. This transcription breaks down the pronunciation of the word into individual sounds and syllables. The symbol /ˈ/ indicates the primary stress on the first syllable “or,” while the symbol /ˌ/ indicates a secondary stress on the second syllable “nar.” The vowels are represented by symbols such as /ɔː/ for the “or” sound, /ɪ/ for the “i” sound, and /i/ for the “nary” sound. The consonants are represented by their respective symbols, such as /d/ for the “d” sound and /r/ for the “r” sound. Overall, the phonetic transcription provides a detailed guide on how to pronounce the word “ordinary” accurately.

Is there a silent letter in the word ordinary? If so, which one?

Yes, there is a silent letter in the word “ordinary.” The silent letter in “ordinary” is the letter “i.” This letter is not pronounced when saying the word, but it is still present in the spelling of the word. The pronunciation of “ordinary” is /ˈɔːrdnri/ with the “i” being silent.

How do you pronounce ordinary in the US?

In the United States, the word “ordinary” is typically pronounced as “AWR-dn-er-ee.” The emphasis is usually on the first syllable, “AWR,” and the “i” sound in the final syllable is pronounced as a long “e” sound. To break it down further, the phonetic transcription of “ordinary” in the US would be /ˈɔːrdnˌɛri/. When pronouncing this word, it is important to emphasize the correct syllables and sound out each part clearly to ensure proper pronunciation.

What is the correct pronunciation of ordinary in British English?

In British English, the correct pronunciation of “ordinary” is /ˈɔːd(ə)n(ə)ri/. This is typically pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, and the vowel sound in the first syllable is a long “o” sound, as in “saw.” The second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, which is a short, neutral vowel sound. The final syllable is also pronounced with a schwa sound. Overall, the emphasis is on the first syllable, and the pronunciation is not as stressed as in American English, where the emphasis may be on the second syllable.

Are there any common mispronunciations of the word ordinary?

One common mispronunciation of the word “ordinary” is “ordin-ary” with the emphasis on the first syllable instead of the second syllable. This mispronunciation can occur because of the spelling of the word, with the “i” appearing before the “n” which might lead some people to emphasize the first syllable. Another mispronunciation is “ord-inary” with the emphasis on the second syllable instead of the first, which can also be attributed to the spelling of the word. The correct pronunciation of “ordinary” is “OR-duh-nair-ee” with the emphasis on the second syllable. It is important to note that mispronunciations can vary regionally and among different dialects, but the standard pronunciation follows the emphasis on the second syllable.

What is the meaning of being ordinary?

Being ordinary refers to being of no special quality or interest, commonplace, or unexceptional. It can also mean being plain or undistinguished. In essence, being ordinary implies that there is nothing particularly remarkable or outstanding about a person or thing. It is often associated with being average, common, or typical. While being ordinary may lack the excitement or uniqueness of being extraordinary, it is important to remember that everyone is unique in their own way, and being ordinary does not diminish one’s value or worth.

How do British people say ordinary?

In British English, the word “ordinary” is typically pronounced as /ˈɔːd(ə)n(ə)ri/. The pronunciation of the word may vary slightly depending on the regional accent within the UK, but the most common pronunciation follows the phonetic spelling provided. British English pronunciation often emphasizes the “o” sound in the first syllable, with a long “o” sound followed by a schwa sound. It is important to note that pronunciation can vary among individuals and regions, so there may be slight differences in how British people say the word “ordinary.”

Most Popular Words

Most Recent Words

Skip to content