quotidian

USAGE SUMMARY

'quotidian' is a perfectly valid word in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is repeated or commonplace, typically on a daily basis. For example, "The farmer's quotidian routine was to rise before dawn and tend to the animals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They lived or died by the quotidian fluctuations of form and luck, the natural run of good days and bad.

The Guardian - Sport

But behind Brčko's quotidian façade lies a novel political experiment.

The Guardian

And, though the Guardian's reviewer rightly argued that this book is the least "Martian" of Reid's poetry, A Scattering is shot through with unlikely metaphor and unfamiliar takes on the quotidian.

The Guardian - Books

It adds quotidian detail … It gives the diary the authenticity that comes with quotidian detail … self-mockery … and at my age I am happy to have that fun and indulge myself," he said.

The Guardian

Often, she places the quotidian and the mysterious side by side: the timber-framed house where Hodges lived is rendered in square-format black-and-white amid its sun-shadowed surroundings, while opposite, a white puppy lies prone on the leafy ground, the pinkish hue on its skin suggesting an alien light source.

The Guardian - Arts

For interesting though it is to learn of their "hygienic" visits to the brothel, Gauguin's talent as a cook and Van Gogh's voracious reading habits, the book becomes so bogged down in quotidian details that at times it loses the plot.Nonetheless, it is worth reading for its fascinating discussion of the two painters' opposing approaches to their art.

The Economist

On August 8th the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the epidemic an "international emergency .One reason for Ebola's frightening reputation (after all, quotidian diseases such as  tuberculosis and malaria kill far more people than it does) is that comparatively little is known about it.

The Economist

PEOPLE remember emotionally charged events more easily than they recall the quotidian.

The Economist

But here are two: the quotidian, stoic heroism with which so many Japanese have responded to devastating loss and terrifying danger; and the outpouring of sympathy and support for them from around the world.

The Economist

Dubbed the "Space Launch System" (one might think that NASA's legion of PR people might have come up with a less quotidian name), the $18 billion rocket is a mish-mash of previous designs that will eventually be able to loft 130 tons into low-earth orbit, compared with 119 for the Saturn V.

The Economist

Like people, their idealistic and enthusiastic youths are eventually overwhelmed by quotidian reality, and they do what they need to to survive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quotidian" to add a touch of formality or sophistication when describing everyday events or routines. It's especially effective in writing where you want to avoid simpler words like "daily" or "ordinary".

Common error

Avoid using "quotidian" in very casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound pretentious or overly formal in contexts where simpler language is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "quotidian" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is daily, commonplace, or ordinary. As noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the recurring and routine nature of the subject it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quotidian" is an adjective that describes something that is daily, commonplace, or ordinary. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is frequently found in formal writing, particularly in news and media, scientific, and business contexts. While grammatically correct, it's best to avoid overusing it in informal settings. For alternatives, consider "daily", "everyday", or "mundane" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When used appropriately, "quotidian" adds a touch of sophistication to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daily

Refers directly to events happening each day, a more straightforward synonym.

everyday

Emphasizes the commonness and ordinariness of something.

mundane

Highlights the lack of excitement or interest in daily routines.

routine

Focuses on the predictable and habitual nature of daily life.

commonplace

Stresses the ordinariness and lack of uniqueness.

ordinary

Indicates a lack of special or distinctive qualities.

usual

Refers to what is typically expected or observed.

typical

Highlights conformity to a standard or norm.

workaday

Implies a focus on the practical and functional aspects of daily life.

unchanging

Emphasizes the lack of variation or novelty.

FAQs

How to use "quotidian" in a sentence?

"Quotidian" is typically used as an adjective to describe something that occurs daily or is commonplace. For example, "The "quotidian tasks" of running a household can be exhausting" or "The novel explores the "quotidian struggles" of ordinary people".

What can I say instead of "quotidian"?

You can use alternatives like "daily", "everyday", or "mundane" depending on the context.

Is "quotidian" a formal word?

Yes, "quotidian" is considered a more formal and sophisticated word compared to simpler alternatives like "daily" or "ordinary". It is often used in writing or speech where a higher level of vocabulary is appropriate.

What's the difference between "quotidian" and "mundane"?

While both words refer to everyday occurrences, "quotidian" simply means daily or common, whereas "mundane" implies that something is dull or lacking excitement. So, while a "quotidian task" is simply a daily one, a "mundane task" is a boring or uninteresting one.