Common: meaning, definitions and examples

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common

 

[ ˈkɒmən ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

in general use

Belonging equally to, or shared by, two or more or all in question.

Synonyms

joint, mutual, shared

Examples of usage

  • Common property
  • common interests
Context #2 | Noun

ordinary people

The common people.

Synonyms

commoners, ordinary folk

Examples of usage

  • The welfare of the common is the supreme law
Context #3 | Adjective

ordinary or familiar

Occurring, found, or done often; prevalent.

Synonyms

standard, typical, usual

Examples of usage

  • A common sight
  • a common name

Translations

Translations of the word "common" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comum

🇮🇳 सामान्य

🇩🇪 gewöhnlich

🇮🇩 umum

🇺🇦 загальний

🇵🇱 powszechny

🇯🇵 一般的な (ippan-teki na)

🇫🇷 commun

🇪🇸 común

🇹🇷 yaygın

🇰🇷 일반적인 (ilbanjeog-in)

🇸🇦 شائع

🇨🇿 běžný

🇸🇰 bežný

🇨🇳 常见的 (chángjiàn de)

🇸🇮 pogost

🇮🇸 algengur

🇰🇿 жалпы

🇬🇪 საერთო

🇦🇿 ümumi

🇲🇽 común

Etymology

The word 'common' originated from the Latin word 'communis', meaning 'belonging to all'. It has been in use in the English language for centuries, evolving to encompass various meanings related to shared ownership, ordinary people, and prevalence. The concept of 'common' has played a significant role in societal structures and legal systems throughout history.

See also: commonality, commoner, commoners, commonization, commonize, commonly, commonness, commonplace, commonwealth, uncommon, uncommonly.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #260, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.