Ordinary or dull (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: HUMDRUM (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Ordinary or dull" with 7 letters is "HUMDRUM".Humdrum refers to something that is dull, monotonous, or lacking in excitement, often used to describe a routine or situation that feels uninteresting or repetitive. It conveys the idea of something ordinary and uninspiring, without variation or flair.
Why “Humdrum” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “ordinary or dull.” The answer, HUMDRUM, fits exactly:
- Ordinary or dull: Humdrum describes something monotonous, unremarkable, or lacking any excitement. It reflects routine life that feels repetitive and uninteresting.
- Direct match: With 7 letters, humdrum perfectly matches the clue’s enumeration.
- Precise synonym: It captures both senses of “ordinary” and “dull,” aligning seamlessly with the clue.
The word humdrum is deeply rooted in English descriptive vocabulary:
- Origin and usage: From a 16th-century English word meaning “buzzing sound” or “drone,” it evolved figuratively to mean monotony and dullness.
- Contexts: Commonly used to describe routines, settings, or events that lack interest or variety.
- Examples: “He was tired of the humdrum existence of office work,” or “They longed for adventure after years of humdrum days.”
Quick crossword clues like “ordinary or dull (7)” often look for vivid descriptive adjectives:
- Alternatives like mundane (7) or boring (6) may arise, but only humdrum fits the 7-letter specification and delivers the dual sense of “ordinary” and “dull.”
- The repetition in the word itself mirrors the monotony it describes, making it easy to recognize.
- With its exact length, expressive usage, and long-established meaning, humdrum is the correct solution.
