ordinariness

Ordinariness refers to the quality of being commonplace or ordinary. It describes something or someone that lacks exceptional qualities or characteristics, and is instead of a usual or standard nature. In everyday language, ordinariness is often used to describe a person or thing that is unremarkable, mundane, or lacks distinctive features.

The concept of ordinariness is closely related to the idea of the banal, which refers to the dull, uninteresting, or commonplace aspects of life. Ordinariness can also imply a lack of glamour, excitement, or interest. However, it can also be a desirable quality in certain contexts, such as in the pursuit of normalcy or the avoidance of novelty seeking.

In philosophy and social sciences, ordinariness has been explored as a concept that shapes our experiences and perceptions of the world. For example, sociologist Erving Goffman argued that social interactions are often built around the maintenance of ordinariness, as individuals strive to present a normal and acceptable self to others.

In art and literature, ordinariness has been used as a theme or subject matter, often to highlight the beauty or significance in the mundane and the everyday. By focusing on the ordinary, artists and writers aim to reveal the extraordinary aspects of human experience that lie within the ordinary.

In conclusion, ordinariness describes the quality of being commonplace or ordinary. It can have both positive and negative connotations, and has been explored in various fields, including philosophy, sociology, and art.