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u·su·al

(yzh-əl)

adj.

1. Commonly encountered, experienced, or observed: the usual summer heat.

2. Regularly or customarily used: ended the speech with the usual expressions of thanks.

3. In conformity with regular practice or procedure: Come at the usual time.

Idiom:

as usual

As commonly or habitually happens: As usual, I slept late that Saturday morning.

[Middle English, from Old French usuel, from Late Latin ūsuālis, from Latin ūsus, use, from past participle of ūtī, to use.]

usu·al·ly adv.

usu·al·ness n.

Synonyms: usual, accustomed, customary, habitual, inveterate
These adjectives apply to what is expected or familiar because it occurs frequently or recurs regularly: took my usual route to work; resolved the difficulty with her accustomed resourcefulness; observes the customary distinction between "lend" and "borrow"; didn't finish the project because of his habitual laziness; your inveterate fondness for puns.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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