- done or happening as a normal part of a particular job, situation or process
- routine enquiries/questions/tests/screening
- Don't worry—these are just routine enquiries.
- The fault was discovered during a routine check.
- This equipment requires routine maintenance.
- The policemen were on a routine patrol.
- It was claimed that torture of detainees was routine.
- Routine use of antibiotics should be discouraged.
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- not unusual or different in any way
- He died of a heart attack during a routine operation.
- (disapproving) ordinary and boring synonym dull, humdrum
- a routine job
- This type of work rapidly becomes routine.
Extra ExamplesTopics Feelingsb2- I have little patience with routine tasks such as washing up.
- For some patients, a very routine existence is preferable.
- Most of the stories are fairly routine sitcom fare.
Word Originlate 17th cent. (denoting a regular course or procedure): from French, from route ‘road’, from Old French rute ‘road’, from Latin rupta (via) ‘broken (way)’, feminine past participle of rumpere.
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routine