normalcy

[ nawr-muhl-see ]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being normal, as the general economic, political, and social conditions of a nation; normality:

   After months of living in a state of tension, all yearned for a return to normalcy.

normalcy

1. A word used by President Warren Harding to describe the calm political and social order to which he wished to return the United States after the idealism and commotion of the presidency of Woodrow Wilson .

Notes

Normalcy has been used as a general term for the political climate in the United States in the early 1920s.

Word History and Origins

Origin of normalcy¹

First recorded in 1855–60; normal + -cy

Example Sentences

This illusion of safety and normalcy is very dangerous; it is one of the primary ways that authoritarian leaders take control of a society and create compliant subjects.

From Salon

His campaign centered on a simple promise to undo Gascón’s most progressive policies and restore normalcy to a district attorney’s office in disarray.

From Los Angeles Times

All conflict zones reach this point eventually — when the initial shock of violence’s proximity gives way to a cautious return to normalcy, sometimes even a dinner-jacket-in-the-jungle attitude.

From Los Angeles Times

In the aftermath, students and staff go back to school and try to reestablish some semblance of normalcy — attending classes, focusing on their studies, and hanging out with their friends.

From Salon

His simple but effective messaging forecasts a return to normalcy, a promise of safety and restored order in a D.A.’s office many consider to be in discord.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• normality
• ordinariness
• uniformity