The phrase "ordinary care" is spelled using 10 letters, with the stress on the first syllable. The phonetic transcription is /ˈɔːrdənri kɛər/. The vowel in the first syllable is a long "o" sound, represented by the symbol /ɔː/. The second syllable contains a schwa sound, represented by the symbol /ə/. The last syllable has the "air" diphthong sound, represented by the symbol /ɛər/. Overall, the spelling of "ordinary care" follows the general rules of English phonics and pronunciation.
Ordinary care, in a legal context, refers to the level of caution, prudence, and diligence a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. It is a standard used to determine whether a person has fulfilled their duty of care towards others and whether they can be held liable for any resulting harm or injury.
To exercise ordinary care means to take reasonable measures to prevent harm or injury, based on the circumstances at hand. The definition may vary depending on the specific context, such as in a professional setting or while operating a vehicle. For instance, ordinary care for a physician might require following established medical practices and protocols, while ordinary care for a driver might involve following traffic laws and avoiding distractions.
The concept of ordinary care is often used in negligence claims, where a plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached their duty of care by failing to exercise the expected level of caution. If a person fails to meet the standard of ordinary care, they may be considered negligent and therefore liable for any damages caused.
However, it is important to note that what constitutes ordinary care can be subjective to some extent, as it is influenced by societal norms, common practices, and legal standards. Different situations and professions may require varying degrees of care. Ultimately, it is up to the court or jury to determine whether a person's actions met the standard of ordinary care in a particular case.
The etymology of the word "ordinary care" stems from the Middle English word "ordinarie", which originated from the Old French word "ordinarie" meaning "customary, regular, usual". The term "care" is derived from the Latin word "cura" meaning "concern, attention, anxiety". Combining these elements, "ordinary care" refers to the customary, regular level of attention or concern one exercises in taking care of something.