French Conversation · Level 33
90 words
French word
normalement
Pronunciation
IPA/nɔʁmaləmɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbusually
Example
Je finis normalement à cinq heures.
I usually finish at five.
More examples
La machine fonctionne normalement après la réparation.
The machine functions normally after the repair.
Core concept
A standard course of events moving toward an expected outcome while leaving room for exceptions.
Common phrases
fonctionner normalement
function normally
se passer normalement
proceed normally
Similar words
habituellement: Usually, as part of a repeated habit or pattern.
généralement: In most cases or as a general tendency.
d'ordinaire: In the ordinary course of everyday life.
en principe: As a general rule or accepted principle.
Definition in French
Signale qu'une action se déroule selon la norme ou l'attendu, souvent employé pour exprimer une attente fondée mais non certaine.
Word origin
The French adverb normalement developed from normal plus -ement, and normal traces back through Latin normalis to norma, meaning a standard or rule.
Usage tips
- In conversation, normalement can express what is expected rather than what is certain, making it weaker than certainement.
Other meanings
- normallyadverb
Opposites
- anormalementabnormallyadverb
- exceptionnellementexceptionallyadverb