usual

UK: ˈjuːʒuəl | US: ˈjuːʒuəl

Definition

  1. adj. occurring or encountered most often; commonly experienced or observed

  2. adj. habitually or typically occurring; customary

Structure
us <use>ual <adjective suffix>us <use>ual <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "usual" traces back to Latin usualis, from usus (use/custom). It entered Middle English via Old French usuel, retaining the core idea of something being customary or habitual. The morpheme us preserves the original Latin root meaning "use," while -ual transforms it into an adjective. This reflects how societal habits ("uses") become normalized over time.

Examples

  1. It’s usual for him to arrive early.

  2. The café offers the usual selection of pastries.

  3. She greeted me with her usual warmth.

  4. Traffic was heavier than usual this morning.

  5. Follow the usual procedure for submitting reports.