normality

/nɔrˈmælɪɾi/

/nɔˈmælɪti/

Other forms: normalities

When something happens that shakes up your life, you probably look forward to a return to normality, meaning the usual happenings of everyday life.

To correctly pronounce normality, accent the second syllable and rhyme it with gal: "nor-MAL-ity." When you look at normality, you notice the word normal, which describes something that meets common standards. The suffix -ity means "the state of being," so normality refers to a state that is normal, something that is just as expected. Normality and normalcy are synonyms, the later associated with President Warren G. Harding, who during a speech used normalcy instead of the more common normality.

Definitions of normality

1. noun

   being within certain limits that define the range of normal functioning
   synonyms: normalcy

   antonyms:

   abnormality

   an abnormal physical condition resulting from defective genes or developmental deficiencies

   types:

   averageness

   the state of being that is average; indicates normality but with connotations of mediocrity

   commonness, expectedness

   the state of being that is commonly observed

   typicality

   the state of being that is typical

   type of:

   condition, status

   a state at a particular time
2. noun

   conformity with the norm
   type of:

   conformance, conformity

   correspondence in form or appearance
3. noun

   expectedness as a consequence of being usual or regular or common
   synonyms: normalcy

   type of:

   expectedness

   ordinariness as a consequence of being expected and not surprising
4. noun

   (of a solution) concentration expressed in gram equivalents of solute per liter
   synonyms: N

   type of:

   relative quantity

   a quantity relative to some purpose