Commonsense: meaning, definitions and examples
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commonsense
[ˈkɒmənˌsɛns ]
Definition
general knowledge
Commonsense refers to the basic ability to perceive, understand, and judge things that are shared by nearly all people without any need for debate or specialized knowledge. It's the type of practical reasoning that helps individuals make decisions based on simple, straightforward principles. Commonsense often serves as a guideline for conduct in everyday life, helping people to navigate social situations and make prudent choices.
Synonyms
good sense, practical wisdom, sound judgment.
Examples of usage
- It’s common sense to wear a helmet while riding a bike.
- Using commonsense can prevent many potential accidents at home.
- He lacks commonsense when it comes to financial decisions.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term originated in the 14th century, derived from the Latin phrase 'sensus communis,' which means 'shared perception.'
- It originally referred to the common ability humans have to interpret the world based on shared experiences.
Psychology
- Common sense is often linked to practical judgment that people develop through everyday life experiences.
- Psychologists say that common sense can sometimes vary between cultures, showing how different life experiences shape our understanding.
Pop Culture
- In movies and books, characters who lack common sense often find themselves in humorous or problematic situations.
- Famous phrases like 'common sense is not so common' highlight how often people overlook obvious truths.
Education
- Critical thinking education often aims to enhance common sense by encouraging individuals to analyze and question their thought processes.
- Teachers frequently emphasize common sense solutions in mathematics or science to relate complex concepts to everyday life.
Global Perspectives
- Different cultures may define and value common sense in unique ways, leading to diverse interpretations of what is considered 'obvious'.
- In some societies, practices considered common sense can differ greatly, influencing social norms and behaviors.
Translations
Translations of the word "commonsense" in other languages:
🇵🇹 senso comum
🇮🇳 समान ज्ञान
🇩🇪 Gesunder Menschenverstand
🇮🇩 akal sehat
🇺🇦 здравий глузд
🇵🇱 zdrowy rozsądek
🇯🇵 常識
🇫🇷 bon sens
🇪🇸 sentido común
🇹🇷 sağduyu
🇰🇷 상식
🇸🇦 الفهم السليم
🇨🇿 zdravý rozum
🇸🇰 zdravý rozum
🇨🇳 常识
🇸🇮 zdrav razum
🇮🇸 heilbrigður skynsemi
🇰🇿 денсаулықты сезім
🇬🇪 ჯანმრთელი აზროვნება
🇦🇿 sağlam düşüncə
🇲🇽 sentido común