Commonsense Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŸ§
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.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'commonsense'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'commonsense' originated in the late 14th century from the Latin phrase 'sensus communis', which referred to a shared understanding or basic perception. Historically, it implied the idea of a collective intuition that all humans share, which allows individuals to make judgments in everyday situations. By the 18th century, the term evolved to signify the practical and instinctive ability to assess situations based on inherent human knowledge rather than learned expertise. In modern usage, it encompasses a variety of practical everyday judgments and is often invoked in discussions about moral reasoning and decision-making. The concept has been explored in philosophical debates, emphasizing its importance in moral philosophy and ethics, as it suggests a fundamental, often implicit understanding of right and wrong that informs human actions.