In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe something or someone typically sturdy and reliable.
- Combines 'ordinarily' with 'solid' to show consistent strength.
- Perfect for physical objects, health, or dependable character traits.
Meaning
This phrase describes something or someone that is typically very sturdy, dependable, or robust under normal circumstances. It's like saying something is 'usually rock-solid' or 'normally quite tough.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Describing a piece of furniture
Cette vieille armoire en chêne est ordinairement solide.
This old oak wardrobe is ordinarily solid.
Talking about a relative's health
Mon grand-père est ordinairement solide, il ne tombe jamais malade.
My grandfather is usually robust; he never gets sick.
In a professional construction meeting
Les fondations de ce bâtiment sont ordinairement solides pour ce type de sol.
The foundations of this building are ordinarily solid for this type of soil.
Cultural Background
In France, 'le solide' is a mark of quality in craftsmanship. The French often prefer to buy one 'solide' item that lasts ten years rather than ten cheap items. In Quebec, while 'ordinairement solide' is used, you might also hear 'c'est du solide' to emphasize the same point with more energy. In French-speaking West Africa, 'solide' can also refer to someone's social standing or reliability in the community. Belgian French uses this phrase frequently in construction and engineering contexts, reflecting the country's strong industrial heritage.
Use it for health
If you want to say someone has a 'strong constitution', this is the perfect phrase.
Watch the 's'
Remember that 'solide' takes an 's' in the plural, but 'ordinairement' never changes.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe something or someone typically sturdy and reliable.
- Combines 'ordinarily' with 'solid' to show consistent strength.
- Perfect for physical objects, health, or dependable character traits.
What It Means
Ordinairement solide is a way to describe consistency and durability. It implies that, under normal conditions, the subject won't break, fail, or give up. It is not about being flashy or fancy. It is about being the kind of thing you can count on day after day. If you describe a person this way, you mean they are resilient. If you describe an object, you mean it is well-built.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as an adjective-adverb combo to qualify a noun. It works just like in English. You can place it after the verb être (to be). For example: Cette table est ordinairement solide. You can also use it to describe a person's health or character. It suggests a baseline of strength that is rarely shaken. It is a very grounded, practical expression.
When To Use It
Use it when you are talking about physical objects like furniture, cars, or buildings. It is perfect for a meeting when discussing infrastructure or materials. You can also use it when talking about a person’s health. If your grandfather never gets the flu, he is ordinairement solide. It is also great for describing a friend who stays calm during a crisis. Use it when you want to emphasize reliability over long periods.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things that are supposed to be delicate or light. You wouldn't describe a soufflé or a silk scarf as ordinairement solide. Avoid using it for abstract emotions like 'love' or 'happiness'—it sounds a bit too much like construction talk for that. Also, if something is currently broken, don't use it. It describes a general state, not a temporary one. Don't use it for food unless you're joking about a very hard baguette!
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on 'le solide'—things that are built to last. From old stone farmhouses to heavy oak furniture, there is a respect for durability. This phrase reflects a pragmatic worldview. It’s about valuing the 'bon sens' (common sense) of choosing quality. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a sturdy pair of leather boots that last ten years.
Common Variations
You might hear habituellement robuste for something even tougher. Or généralement résistant if you are talking about technical materials. If you want to be more informal, you might just say c'est du costaud. However, ordinairement solide remains the most balanced and versatile choice for daily life.
Usage Notes
This is a safe, neutral collocation. It works well in both written and spoken French. Just remember it focuses on 'usual' strength rather than 'extraordinary' strength.
Use it for health
If you want to say someone has a 'strong constitution', this is the perfect phrase.
Watch the 's'
Remember that 'solide' takes an 's' in the plural, but 'ordinairement' never changes.
Professionalism
Use this in business to describe a 'solid track record' (un parcours ordinairement solide).
Examples
6Cette vieille armoire en chêne est ordinairement solide.
This old oak wardrobe is ordinarily solid.
Focuses on the physical durability of the wood.
Mon grand-père est ordinairement solide, il ne tombe jamais malade.
My grandfather is usually robust; he never gets sick.
Uses 'solide' to describe a strong constitution.
Les fondations de ce bâtiment sont ordinairement solides pour ce type de sol.
The foundations of this building are ordinarily solid for this type of soil.
A technical but standard way to describe structural integrity.
Prends cette coque, elle est ordinairement solide face aux chutes.
Get this case; it's normally pretty solid against drops.
Practical advice for everyday tech protection.
Il faut avoir un estomac ordinairement solide pour finir ce plat !
You need to have an ordinarily solid stomach to finish this dish!
Using 'solide' to joke about digestion.
Elle est ordinairement solide, mais là, elle a besoin de nous.
She is usually so strong, but right now, she needs us.
Shows the contrast between a person's usual strength and a moment of need.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Ces vieux murs sont ________ ________.
We need the adverb 'ordinairement' and the plural adjective 'solides' to match 'murs'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to describe a reliable friend?
Comment décrire un ami sur qui on peut toujours compter ?
The adverb-adjective order is the standard way to express this.
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
Match: 1. A broken window in a storm. 2. A healthy grandfather. 3. A strong table.
1 matches the exception (storm), 2 matches the masculine person (grandfather), 3 matches the feminine object (table).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu penses que cette étagère va tenir ? B: Oui, ________.
'Étagère' is feminine, so we use 'elle'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCes vieux murs sont ________ ________.
We need the adverb 'ordinairement' and the plural adjective 'solides' to match 'murs'.
Comment décrire un ami sur qui on peut toujours compter ?
The adverb-adjective order is the standard way to express this.
Match: 1. A broken window in a storm. 2. A healthy grandfather. 3. A strong table.
1 matches the exception (storm), 2 matches the masculine person (grandfather), 3 matches the feminine object (table).
A: Tu penses que cette étagère va tenir ? B: Oui, ________.
'Étagère' is feminine, so we use 'elle'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, in this collocation, it strictly means 'usually' or 'under normal circumstances'.
Yes, it's a great way to describe someone who is emotionally stable and dependable.
The adverb 'ordinairement' almost always comes first.
Technically yes, but it sounds very clinical. Better to use 'ferme' or 'croquant'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a professional email.
Ordinairement solides (add an 's' to solide).
Yes, they are perfect synonyms in 99% of cases.
Yes, it is standard French and understood everywhere.
It's a nasal sound, like the 'en' in 'enfant'.
Yes, it is very common in architecture and real estate.
Related Phrases
habituellement robuste
synonymUsually robust
un roc
similarA rock
fragile
contrastFragile
solide comme un chêne
builds onSolid as an oak
