usually

usually

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "usually" is /ˈjuː.ʒu.ə.li/ or /ˈjuː.ʒə.li/.

For /ˈjuː.ʒu.ə.li/:

• /ˈjuː/

• /ʒu/

• /ə/

• /li/

For /ˈjuː.ʒə.li/ (more common in rapid speech):

• /ˈjuː/

• /ʒə/

• /li/

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Word Form Variations

• Adverb: usually (no comparative/superlative forms)

• Adjective: usual (derived adjective), unusual (derived adjective)

• Noun: usual (can be used as a noun, e.g., "as per usual"), usuals (plural noun, informal, referring to regular customers or things)

• Verb: (No direct verb form; "use" is related but distinct).

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adverb

• Definition 1: In the way that is usual, customary, or common; most of the time.

• Synonyms: normally, commonly, ordinarily, typically, generally, frequently, regularly, habitually

• Antonyms: rarely, seldom, unusually, exceptionally, uncommonly, never, sporadically

• Definition 2: As a matter of routine or habit.

• Synonyms: customarily, routinely, habitually, consistently

• Antonyms: occasionally, irregularly, exceptionally, by chance

Note: "Usually" primarily functions as an adverb. The adjective and noun forms are derived from "usual," not directly from "usually."

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "He usually rose with the sun, a habit ingrained from years of working on the farm." (Fictional example from a rural novel or historical fiction)

• "The book explains that while gravity usually pulls things down, quantum mechanics presents exceptions." (From a non-fiction book on physics or cosmology)

• "She was a creature of habit, and her morning routine usually involved a quiet cup of tea on the porch." (Fictional example from a character-driven novel)

Newspapers:

• "The Central Bank of Kenya's Monetary Policy Committee usually meets every two months to review interest rates." (Business Daily Africa)

• "Traffic on Waiyaki Way usually eases after 9 AM, but construction has led to new delays." (Daily Nation)

• "New research indicates that people usually underestimate the true cost of climate change." (The Standard)

Online Publications:

• "Our tutorials usually include step-by-step instructions and clear screenshots for easy understanding." (An article on a software help website, e.g., Microsoft Support)

• "While dogs usually love to play fetch, some breeds are more inclined to guarding behaviors." (An article on a pet care website, e.g., AKC.org)

• "The best time to post on social media is usually between 10 AM and 2 PM on weekdays." (An article on a digital marketing blog, e.g., Hootsuite Blog)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: "I'm not a bad guy. I usually just play one on TV." (Humorous line, often referencing an actor's persona)

• Television Series: "Our hero usually manages to escape impossible situations, but this time might be different." (Narration from an action or suspense series)

• Song Lyrics: "I usually don't do this but... I'm a little bit shy." (From a pop song about breaking out of one's comfort zone)

• Video Games: "The boss enemy usually attacks in predictable patterns, but this one is different." (In-game hint or dialogue about combat strategy, e.g., Dark Souls)

• Podcasts: "In this episode, we discuss why creative ideas usually strike when you least expect them." (A podcast on creativity or psychology, e.g., Hidden Brain)

General Public Discourse:

• "I usually have coffee in the morning, but today I'm having tea." (A common statement about routine)

• "The matatus to town usually pass by here every few minutes." (A common statement about public transport in Kenya)

• "What do you usually do on weekends?" (A common question in casual conversation)

• "It's usually sunny in July in Nairobi." (A casual observation about weather)

• "He usually arrives on time, so I'm worried." (Expressing concern about a deviation from routine)

• "This restaurant is usually really good, I don't know what happened tonight." (A critical comment on an inconsistent experience)

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10 Quotes Using Usually

1. "I'm not a bad guy. I usually just play one on TV." (Common humorous line, often attributed to actors)

2. "The best things in life are free." (Common proverb, widely known) - This implicitly refers to things that are usually free.

3. "Change is the only constant." (Heraclitus) - This is a counterpoint to things that happen usually.

4. "Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens." (Jimi Hendrix) - This implies that knowledge usually expresses itself, while wisdom observes.

5. "If you want to be successful, it's just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing." (Will Rogers) - This speaks to the elements that usually lead to success.

6. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." (Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols, 1888) - This implies that difficult experiences, which don't usually happen, can have a positive outcome.

7. "I usually get what I want." (Lesser-known, but common phrase expressing determination or success)

8. "My old car runs perfectly, which is unusual for a car its age." (Original quote, highlighting a deviation from what usually occurs)

9. "People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss the point; it's refillable." (Unknown, widely shared motivational quote) - This suggests that problems, which usually seem insurmountable, are not.

10. "The exception proves the rule." (Common idiom, widely known) - This means that an unusual case confirms that the rule usually applies.

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Etymology

The word "usually" comes from the word "usual," with the common English adverb-forming suffix "-ly."

So, let's look at the origin of "usual":

• "Usual" comes from the Old French word usuel.

• Usuel, in turn, came from the Latin word usuālis.

• In Latin, usuālis meant "customary," "common," or "according to custom." It was related to usus, meaning "use" or "custom."

So, when "usual" first appeared in English, in the late 14th century (around 1380), its initial meaning was "customary" or "habitual."

The adverb "usually" (meaning "in a usual way; commonly; most of the time") then developed from this adjective by adding the "-ly" suffix, appearing around the early 15th century (around 1420s). It has consistently described things that happen as a matter of custom, habit, or frequency ever since.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Usually

Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "usually":

• As is usually the case: As happens most of the time; as expected.

• Usually, I'd say no, but...: A common way to introduce an exception to one's normal behavior.

• Not usually: Rarely or infrequently.

• Usually reliable source: A source of information that is generally trustworthy.

• Breaking from the usual: Deviating from the norm or routine. (Synonymous with "acting unusually")

• Usually on time: Tends to be punctual.

• Usually quiet: Tends to be reserved or not talkative.

• The norm: The typical or standard state. (Synonymous with "what usually happens")

• More often than not: Most of the time; usually. (Synonym for "usually")

• To go against the grain: To do something contrary to the usual way or popular opinion. (Synonymous with not doing what is "usually" done)

• Usually found in: Typically located in; common to. (Descriptive phrase)

• It's common practice: It is a routine or standard procedure. (Synonymous with "it's usually done this way")

• A matter of routine: Something that happens regularly and without deviation. (Synonymous with "usually" occurring)

• Usually busy: Tends to be active or crowded.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of usually from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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