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Common Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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common

[ˈkɒmən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in general use

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

Synonyms

joint, mutual, shared.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
common

Also implies something that is ordinary or not special. This can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • The car model is very common and not very expensive.
  • He has a common name that many people have.
shared

Describes something that is divided among or held in common by a group of people.

  • They have a shared responsibility to manage the project.
  • We had a shared joy in their success.
mutual

Refers to something that is felt, done, or experienced by two or more people in the same way.

  • They have a mutual respect for each other.
  • We reached a mutual agreement.
joint

Used to describe something that is shared or done by two or more people or groups together.

  • They opened a joint bank account.
  • The two companies worked on a joint project.

Examples of usage

  • Common property
  • common interests
Context #2 | Noun

ordinary people

The common people.

Synonyms

commoners, ordinary folk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
common

This word, when used to describe people, can have a negative connotation, implying that they are of lower social status or lacking refinement.

  • He was looked down upon as having common tastes in music and fashion
commoners

Use this word to refer to regular people, especially in contrast to nobility or royalty. It often refers to historical or class contexts.

  • In medieval times, commoners had little power compared to the royalty and nobility
ordinary folk

This phrase is used to describe people who are typical or average members of society. It has a neutral to slightly positive connotation, often highlighting their normalcy or relatability.

  • The new policy aims to help ordinary folk make ends meet
  • He's just an ordinary folk, trying to lead a simple and happy life

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
common

Used to describe something that occurs frequently and is widely known. It can have a slightly negative connotation when referring to something ordinary or not unique.

  • It is common to see people walking their dogs in this park.
  • Finding a good parking spot in the city can be a common struggle.
usual

Used to describe something that is familiar and happens regularly. It focuses on familiarity and routine.

  • She had her usual cup of coffee in the morning.
  • He was late to the meeting as usual.
typical

Used when referring to something that represents what is usual or expected in a given context. It often implies something characteristic or representative.

  • The weather this summer has been typical for this region.
  • It was a typical Monday morning, busy and hectic.
standard

Used to describe a level of quality or quantity that is widely accepted as the norm. This term is usually more formal and often used in professional or technical contexts.

  • The standard procedure requires all employees to check their emails daily.
  • This car model is built to a high safety standard.

Examples of usage

  • A common sight
  • a common name

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'common'

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.