Quotidian Meaning and Definition
Quotidian
Pronunciation
/ˈkwoʊtɪdʒən/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A quotidian is a day-to-day occurrence or activity that is regular and ordinary, lacking any special distinction or significance.
Examples
- Her quotidian routine includes exercising and practicing yoga.
- The team’s quotidian practices prepared them well for the big game.
Synonyms
- Common
- Ordinary
Antonyms
- Extraordinary
- Unusual
Additional Information
Quotidian activities and tasks make up the bulk of our daily lives, giving us a sense of structure and routine. However, it’s also important to make time for unusual and extraordinary experiences to add variety and excitement to our lives.
The word quotidian comes from the Latin “quotidianus,” meaning “daily,” and is often used to describe the mundane or everyday aspects of life.
Etymology
The word quotidian has been in use since the 15th century, derived from the Latin “quotidianus,” meaning “daily” or “daily occurrence.”
Usage Notes
When using the word quotidian, it’s important to consider the context and tone you want to convey. If you want to emphasize the ordinary nature of an activity, quotidian may be a good choice. However, if you want to emphasize the exceptional nature of an experience, you may want to use a different adjective.
Cultural References
Quotidian has been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, the term quotidian was used to describe the daily routine of characters in the novel “The Catcher in the Rye.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Quotidian is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “a day to day basis” or “on a quotidian scale.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Daily
- Ordinary
- Mundane
Collocations
Quotidian is often collocated with words like “activity,” “task,” “routine,” or “lifestyle.”
Frequency of Use
Quotidian is a less commonly used word in modern language, but it can add a touch of nuance and specificity to one’s writing or speech.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of quotidian include “quottidian,” “quoteidian,” or “quodidian.”