The word "quotidian" is spelled /kwəˈtɪdiən/ and means "everyday" or "ordinary". The first syllable, "quo", is pronounced with a "kw" sound, followed by a short "u" sound. The second syllable, "tid", is pronounced with a "t" sound and a short "i" sound. The final syllable, "ian", is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the sound "ən". Even though the word may be difficult to spell, its use is common in literature and everyday language.
Quotidian is an adjective that describes something as ordinary, commonplace, or occurring on a daily basis. This term can be primarily associated with everyday life, routines, or activities that are considered mundane or routine. It refers to the ordinary events, tasks, or objects that are a regular part of our daily existence and are not particularly remarkable or extraordinary.
The word "quotidian" is often used to highlight the habitual or repetitive nature of these common occurrences. It captures the essence of the familiar and unremarkable aspects of life that shape our daily experiences. For instance, activities such as commuting to work, cooking meals, doing household chores, or attending regular meetings can be classified as quotidian.
Moreover, quotidian can also be used to describe something that is predictable or monotonous in nature. It suggests a lack of excitement or novelty, focusing on the regularity and predictability associated with certain aspects of life. However, it is important to note that while "quotidian" is commonly used in a neutral or slightly negative context, it does not necessarily imply a negative connotation.
In literature, the term is often employed to portray the routine or mundane aspects of characters' lives, emphasizing the ordinary details that make up their daily existence. By highlighting these quotidian details, authors aim to provide a realistic or relatable portrayal of everyday life.
Daily, occurring every day.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Daily; occurring every day, or returning daily.
• Anything returning daily; a particular form of ague.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word quotidian comes from the Latin word quotidianus, which means daily or everyday. It is derived from the combination of two Latin words: quot, meaning how many or as many, and dies, meaning days. The Latin term quotidianus was later borrowed into Middle English as qu otidien, and eventually evolved into the modern English word quotidian.