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Communal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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communal

[ˈkɒmjʊnəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

living

Shared by all members of a community; for common use or enjoyment.

Synonyms

collective, common, shared.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
communal

Used when referring to resources, spaces, or activities that are used or done together by a community or group of people.

  • The building has a communal kitchen
  • They organized a communal garden in the neighborhood
shared

Describes something that is divided among multiple people or used together by a group.

  • They shared the responsibilities equally
  • The document is stored in a shared folder
common

Used to describe something that is shared among all members of a group or available to everyone.

  • They have a common interest in music
  • The park is a common area for all residents
collective

Appropriate when describing actions, decisions, or efforts made by a group as a whole.

  • The decision was made through collective agreement
  • It was a collective effort that led to the project's success

Examples of usage

  • The communal kitchen in the dormitory is used by all residents.
  • She valued the communal spirit of the neighborhood.
  • The communal garden is maintained by volunteers.
Context #2 | Adjective

society

Relating to a community or group of people, especially in a social, economic, or political context.

Synonyms

community, group, social.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
communal

Use when talking about shared resources, spaces, or activities among members of a group or community.

  • They live in a communal housing arrangement.
  • The garden is a communal effort by the residents.
community

Use when referring to a group of people living in the same area or sharing a common interest.

  • The community gathered to discuss the new park.
  • He is well-known in the local community.
social

Use when describing activities involving interaction, communication, or relationships among people.

  • He enjoys social gatherings with friends.
  • Social networks have changed how we connect with others.
group

Use when mentioning a collection of individuals or items that come together for some common purpose or activity.

  • She joined a book discussion group.
  • The project team is a diverse group of professionals.

Examples of usage

  • The communal ownership of land was a central aspect of their society.
  • Communal living arrangements have become popular in recent years.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have communal living arrangements where families share resources and responsibilities, such as cooperatives.
  • In some indigenous tribes, land and resources are considered communal and are shared among all members rather than owned individually.
  • Shared meals and festivals are common in communal settings, reinforcing bonds and celebrating togetherness.

Social Science

  • Research shows that communal living can enhance social ties and emotional well-being by providing support and reducing loneliness.
  • Communal spaces in urban areas, like parks and community centers, foster interaction among diverse groups, enhancing civic engagement.
  • Social psychologists argue that communal behavior can lead to a greater sense of belonging and interconnectedness.

Historical Context

  • The communal movement gained popularity during the 1960s and '70s as individuals sought alternative lifestyles outside traditional family structures.
  • Historical communes, such as the Shakers and the Oneida Community, practiced communal living based on shared beliefs and resources.
  • The concept of communal ownership was integral to ancient societies, where resources were pooled for collective benefit.

Environmental Impact

  • Communal living can reduce an individual's carbon footprint by sharing resources such as vehicles, tools, and energy.
  • Community gardens promote sustainability and environmental stewardship, allowing individuals to grow food together.
  • Building communal spaces that encourage recycling and sharing can help reduce waste in urban areas.

Origin of 'communal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'communal' comes from the Latin 'communalis', meaning 'pertaining to a community'.
  • It evolved from the word 'communis', which means 'common' or 'shared'.
  • The concept has roots in the Latin 'cum' (together) and 'munis' (serving), emphasizing partnership.

The word 'communal' originated from the Latin word 'communis', meaning 'common' or 'public'. It has been used in English since the mid-19th century to describe things that are shared or common among members of a community or group. The concept of communal living or sharing resources has been an important aspect of various cultures and societies throughout history, reflecting the values of cooperation and mutual support.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,291 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.