Ordinary

Ordinary in its most general sense refers to something that is commonplace or standard. The term can be applied in various contexts, from everyday objects to legal terminology. This article explores the different uses and meanings of the term "ordinary."

Common Usage

In everyday language, "ordinary" refers to something that is usual or normal, without any special or distinctive features. It is often used to describe routine matters or typical occurrences. For example, an ordinary day might include going to work, doing household chores, and spending time with family.

Mathematics

In mathematics, "ordinary" is used in specific contexts. For instance, an ordinary differential equation (ODE) is a differential equation containing one or more functions of one independent variable and its derivatives. It contrasts with partial differential equations, which involve multiple independent variables.

Law

In legal terminology, "ordinary" has several specific meanings:

• Ordinary law: A law that is part of the regular legal system, as opposed to constitutional law.
• Ordinary jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of a court that handles regular or routine cases, as opposed to special jurisdictions like appellate or military courts.

Religion

In Christianity, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church, "ordinary" refers to the bishop or the diocesan bishop who has ordinary executive, legislative, and judicial authority in his diocese. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any cleric who possesses some form of ordinary jurisdiction.

Heraldry

In heraldry, an "ordinary" is a simple geometric figure on a coat of arms. Common ordinaries include the fess, pale, bend, chevron, and cross, which can vary in color and decoration. These elements are among the earliest used in heraldry and are typically bold and easily recognizable.

Military

In military terminology, "ordinary" can refer to the regular, non-specialized duties or the routine state of being in service, as opposed to being on active duty or at war.

Conclusion

The term "ordinary" encompasses a wide range of meanings, each contextually dependent on its field of application. Whether in daily conversation, mathematics, law, religion, heraldry, or military, it serves to denote something regular, customary, or typical.

This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Ordinary.