usual
Definitions
Happening or done most of the time; customary, normal
通常的，惯常的，平常的
Root Breakdown
Native Englishus (use) + -ual (relating to) = 'relating to regular use.' Latin ūsuālis meant 'in common use.' Something used over and over becomes the customary thing — which is exactly what we mean by 'usual': normal, habitual.
Root us still carries 68 more wordsWhy It Means This
The whole idea of 'normal' here is built from 'used.' What you reach for again and again becomes 'the usual.' That worn-in familiarity is why 'as usual' means 'just like every other time,' and why 'the usual' at a bar means the drink you always order.
Common Collocations
- 1.as usual像往常一样
- 2.the usual老一套
- 3.usual practice惯常做法
- 4.business as usual一切照旧
- 5.than usual比平常
Example Sentences
- 1.
She took her usual seat by the window and opened her book.
- 2.
As usual, the train was a few minutes late this morning.
- 3.
He ordered the usual and chatted with the bartender.
Synonym Comparison
- usual — what regularly happens; neutral and most common
- customary — sanctioned by tradition or social convention
- normal — conforming to a standard or expected state
- habitual — done out of personal habit, often repeatedly
- routine — fixed, regular, sometimes implying dull repetition