honorable ordinary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Literary, Technical (heraldry)
Quick answer
What does “honorable ordinary” mean?
In heraldry and formal titles, the simple, fundamental geometric charges (like the chief, pale, bend, fess, chevron, cross, saltire) that appear on a shield or coat of arms. More generally, a term denoting something both dignified and basic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In heraldry and formal titles, the simple, fundamental geometric charges (like the chief, pale, bend, fess, chevron, cross, saltire) that appear on a shield or coat of arms. More generally, a term denoting something both dignified and basic.
A person or thing that possesses inherent dignity and integrity while remaining unpretentious, simple, or fundamental. Often used to praise humble, principled work or people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In heraldic context, British English predominantly uses 'honourable ordinary' (with 'u'), while American English uses 'honorable ordinary'. The metaphorical use is extremely rare in both, but the British spelling would be expected in UK texts.
Connotations
In the UK, the term might evoke stronger connections to aristocracy, heraldry, and class. In the US, the metaphorical use might slightly lean toward praising 'everyday heroes' or fundamental American values.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in general discourse. Usage is almost exclusively confined to texts on heraldry or highly stylized literary prose.
Grammar
How to Use “honorable ordinary” in a Sentence
[The/An] honorable ordinary [of + NOUN PHRASE][Be verb] an honorable ordinaryLive as an honorable ordinaryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “honorable ordinary” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The honorable ordinary charges were clearly depicted on the earl's ancient crest.
American English
- They sought an honorable ordinary life, free from the corruption of the city.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; confined to historical/heraldic studies. E.g., 'The treatise classified the heraldic ordinaries.'
Everyday
Extremely unlikely. Would sound archaic or pretentious.
Technical
Primary context: Heraldry. E.g., 'The shield was divided per pale, an honorable ordinary.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “honorable ordinary”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “honorable ordinary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “honorable ordinary”
- Using it as a casual phrase (e.g., 'He's an honorable ordinary guy').
- Treating 'ordinary' as a noun when it's part of a fixed adjective-noun phrase.
- Misspelling 'honorable/honourable'.
- Confusing with 'ordinary' in other senses (e.g., a judge).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. Its primary and precise use is in the technical field of heraldry. Its metaphorical use is literary and uncommon.
Only in very formal, literary, or stylistic writing to mean 'a person of simple, dignified integrity.' In everyday speech, it would sound strange and pretentious.
Honorable ordinaries are the basic, primary geometric charges (e.g., chief, pale, bend). Subordinaries are smaller or more complex secondary charges (e.g., bordure, canton, lozenge) that are placed on the shield.
Yes. The word 'honorable' is spelled 'honourable' in British English, making the phrase 'honourable ordinary.' The American spelling is 'honorable ordinary.'
In heraldry and formal titles, the simple, fundamental geometric charges (like the chief, pale, bend, fess, chevron, cross, saltire) that appear on a shield or coat of arms. More generally, a term denoting something both dignified and basic.
Honorable ordinary is usually formal, literary, technical (heraldry) in register.
Honorable ordinary: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɒn(ə)rəbl̩ ˈɔːd(ə)n(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːn(ə)rəbl̩ ˈɔːrdəˌneri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To bear the honorable ordinary (to live with simple dignity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HONORABLE knight wearing a very ORDINARY, simple shield (just a plain stripe or cross). The dignity is in the knight, the simplicity is in the shield design.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL CHARACTER IS HERALDIC SYMBOLISM (a person's basic, good nature is like a simple, honored symbol on a shield).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'honorable ordinary' most technically precise?