normal
Normal (adjective) means Usual, typical, or expected; conforming to what is standard. Example: “It's completely normal to feel nervous before a job interview.”
How to use normal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe usual, expected, or standard state of things — not unusual or abnormal.
"Normal" and "average" aren't identical — average is a calculated midpoint, while normal usually implies "as expected" or "healthy."
Word forms
more normal comparative, normaler comparative, normaller comparative, normals plural, most normal superlative, normalest superlative, normallest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It's completely _____ to feel nervous before a job interview.
Etymology
From Latin "normalis," meaning "made according to a carpenter's square," and later "according to a rule." The modern sense of "usual" or "healthy" developed in the 1800s as scientists began measuring things like height and blood pressure and calling the common values "normal."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for normal
See all rhymes for normal →Frequently asked questions
What does “normal” mean?
The word “normal” means usual, typical, or expected; conforming to what is standard. In plain terms, the usual, expected, or standard state of things — not unusual or abnormal.
How do you pronounce “normal”?
“Normal” is pronounced NAW-muhl (/ˈnoɹ.məl/ in IPA).
How do you use “normal” in a sentence?
Here is “normal” used in a sentence: “It's completely normal to feel nervous before a job interview.”
What is another word for “normal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “normal” include average, medial, basic, bog-standard, common and commonplace.
What is the opposite of “normal”?
The opposite of “normal” — its antonyms — are conspicuous, different, egregious, exceptional and historic.
What part of speech is “normal”?
Depending on how it is used, “normal” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “normal” come from?
The word “normal” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Latin.
Is “normal” a common word?
“Normal” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between normal and norm?
'Normal' is an adjective describing something usual, typical or expected, as in 'a normal day'. A 'norm' is a noun meaning an accepted standard or pattern of behaviour that people generally follow. Something normal fits the norm. One describes how things are; the other names the standard they are measured against.
What is the opposite of normal?
The most common opposite is abnormal, meaning away from what is usual or expected. Depending on the sentence, other opposites include unusual, strange, odd or atypical. For example, an abnormal test result differs from a normal one. Each captures the idea of departing from what is standard or typical.
What is the difference between normalcy and normality?
Both nouns mean the state of being normal, and they are largely interchangeable. 'Normality' is the older and more widely used form, especially in British English. 'Normalcy' means exactly the same thing but is more common in American English. Choosing between them is mainly a matter of regional preference.
Is 'normal' a subjective word?
To an extent, yes. What counts as normal depends on the context, culture or group you are measuring against, so it can vary from place to place. In fields like science or medicine, however, 'normal' has more precise definitions, such as a normal temperature. Its meaning ranges from casual to technical.
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