u·su·al
(yōṓzhōō-əl)
[Middle English, from Old French usuel, from Late Latin ūsuālis, from Latin ūsus, use from past participle of ūtī, to use.]
adjective
- Commonly encountered, experienced, or observed: the usual summer heat.
- Regularly or customarily used: ended the speech with the usual expressions of thanks.
- In conformity with regular practice or procedure: Come at the usual time.
idioms
- as usual
- As commonly or habitually happens: As usual, I slept late that Saturday morning.
derivatives
- úsu·al·ly
- adverb
- úsu·al·ness
- noun
synonyms:
usual, habitual, customary, accustomed These adjectives apply to what is expected or familiar because it occurs frequently or recurs regularly. Usual describes what accords with normal, common, or ordinary practice or procedure: “The parson said the usual things about the sea—its blueness . . . its beauty” (George du Maurier) Habitual implies repetition and force of habit: a habitual liar. Customary and accustomed refer to conformity with prevailing customs or conventions: “It is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions” (Thomas H. Huxley) She resolved the difficulty with her accustomed resourcefulness.
