COMMON Meaning and
Definition
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Common (adjective) is used to describe something that is widely seen, found or experienced, and is generally familiar or frequently occurring among a group of people or things. It refers to something that is ordinary, ordinary, or shared by a large number of individuals.
In everyday language, "common" is often used to refer to things that are neither exceptional nor remarkable. It implies the absence of uniqueness or distinctiveness. For example, a common household item can refer to something that is commonly possessed or used by most households.
The term "common" can also be used to describe something that is shared or accessible to everyone in a community or society, without any exclusivity. In this context, it suggests equality or inclusivity. For instance, a common area in an apartment building is a shared space accessible to all residents.
Furthermore, "common" can denote a mutual understanding or agreement between individuals or groups. It can refer to a consensus or a commonly accepted opinion or belief. For example, a common goal signifies a shared objective or purpose that multiple individuals or organizations aim to achieve.
In certain contexts, "common" may have negative connotations, implying something that is unimpressive, mundane, or lacking originality. However, it can also convey a sense of comfort, familiarity, and reliability due to its prevalence and widespread usage.
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• Belonging equally to more than one; serving for the use of all; usual or ordinary; without rank; not distinguished by superior excellence; in gram., applied to nouns that are both masc. and fem.
• A tract of ground belonging to no one in particular or open to the use of all.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for COMMON *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for COMMON
Etymology of COMMON
The word "common" originated from the Old English word "cȯmmun", which was derived from the Latin word "commūnis". In Latin, "commūnis" means "shared" or "general". Over time, the word transitioned into Middle English as "commune" and eventually became "common". The term developed its modern meaning of "belonging to or shared by all" in the late 14th century.
Idioms with the word COMMON
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be a victory for common sense
The idiom "be a victory for common sense" refers to a situation or decision that underscores the importance of logical and practical thinking. It means that a certain outcome or result is considered a triumph because it aligns with what most people would see as reasonable, rational, or sensible. It emphasizes the rejection of excessive complexity, overthinking, or irrational thoughts in favor of practicality and sound judgment.
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the common touch
The expression "the common touch" refers to a quality or capability possessed by an individual, usually a public figure, to connect and relate with people from all walks of life. It suggests that the person is able to interact, empathize, and communicate effectively with people regardless of their social status, background, or education. Having "the common touch" implies an ability to resonate with the general public or masses, demonstrating relatability and approachability.
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the common man
The idiom "the common man" refers to the average, ordinary individual in society who lacks exceptional wealth, power, or social status. It symbolizes the collective working class, representing the average person's perspective, needs, and interests.
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make common cause
The idiom "make common cause" means to form an alliance or work together with others, particularly in pursuit of a shared goal or to address a common problem. It implies collaborating or joining forces to advance a cause or initiative for mutual benefit.
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make common cause with sb
The idiom "make common cause with someone" means to form an alliance, partnership, or collaboration with someone in order to pursue a shared goal, objective, or purpose. It involves joining forces with someone to work together towards a common agenda or to support one another's interests.
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common thread (to all this)
The idiom "common thread (to all this)" refers to a common element or factor that can be found in various situations or events. It implies that there is a unifying characteristic, theme, or connection that runs through different aspects of a particular context or situation. This common thread helps to establish a link or understanding between different components or occurrences.
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have sth in common (with sb/sth)
The idiom "have something in common (with someone/something)" means to share similar interests, characteristics, or experiences with someone or something else. It indicates that there are shared qualities or commonalities between two or more people or things.
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as common as muck
The idiom "as common as muck" is used to describe someone or something that is ordinary, unrefined, or lacking in sophistication.
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in the Common Era
In the common era,
also known as CE, is an idiom used to refer to the time period that follows the traditional concept of BC, or "Before Christ." It is a secular alternative to the religiously-oriented dating system based on the birth of Jesus Christ. The common era typically refers to the period after the year 1 CE.
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have sth in common (with sm or sth)
The idiom "have something in common (with someone or something)" means to share similar interests, characteristics, or traits with another person or thing. It implies a sense of similarity or connection between two or more entities.
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common as an old shoe
The idiom "common as an old shoe" means that something or someone is very familiar or commonplace. It implies that the subject is not unique or extraordinary, but rather ordinary and widely known or encountered. It suggests a lack of novelty or specialness.
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in common
The idiom "in common" refers to something that is shared or mutually owned by multiple individuals or groups.
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make common cause with
The idiom "make common cause with" means to join forces or ally with someone or a group of people in pursuit of a shared goal or interest. It implies forming a partnership or cooperation to work together towards a common objective or to support each other in a particular endeavor.
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make common cause with somebody
The idiom "make common cause with somebody" means to unite or work together with someone, especially those with similar goals or interests, in order to achieve a shared objective or outcome. It implies joining forces or forming an alliance with another person or group to collectively address a specific issue or pursue a common purpose.
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have something in common (with somebody)
The idiom "have something in common (with somebody)" refers to the shared qualities, interests, or experiences between two or more people. It suggests that there are similarities or connections that exist between individuals, resulting in a sense of understanding or shared understanding.
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have something in common (with something)
The idiom "have something in common (with something)" means that two or more things share a similarity or have similar qualities or characteristics. It implies that there is a connection or mutual understanding between the mentioned subjects.
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in common with somebody/something
The idiom "in common with somebody/something" means to share similar qualities, beliefs, interests, or characteristics with another person or thing. It refers to something that two or more entities have in common or share similarities in their experiences, opinions, or situations.
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(as) common as an old shoe
The expression "(as) common as an old shoe" is an idiom used to describe something or someone that is unexceptional, ordinary, or familiar to the point of being unremarkable. It implies that the subject lacks any sense of uniqueness or novelty, akin to an old, worn-out shoe that is readily found and lacks any special characteristic or value.
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common cause
The idiom "common cause" refers to a situation where individuals or groups unite or work together towards a shared goal or objective. It implies a sense of cooperation, collaboration, and collective effort to achieve a common purpose.
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make common cause with (someone or something)
The idiom "make common cause with (someone or something)" means to form an alliance or join forces with someone or something for a shared purpose or goal. It implies coming together, often temporarily, to work towards a common objective or to support a common interest.
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the common cold
The common cold refers to a mild viral infection affecting the nose and throat, causing symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and often a general feeling of fatigue or malaise. This idiom is used to describe a simple or commonly known illness that is not severe or life-threatening.
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common as muck
The idiom "common as muck" is a colloquial expression used to describe someone or something that is very ordinary, not special, or lacking in sophistication. It implies a lack of uniqueness or distinction, comparing the person or object to something that is abundant and easily found.
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common decency
Common decency is an idiom used to refer to the basic moral principles and standards of behavior that are expected in society. It involves behaving in a considerate, respectful, and compassionate manner towards others, showing empathy, and adhering to established social norms and ethical values.
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common law
Common law refers to a system of law that is based on customs, traditions, and past judicial decisions, rather than on a written legal code. This term originated in medieval England where legal principles and rules were developed and established through court decisions and precedents, forming a body of law known as common law. In this system, judges play a crucial role in interpreting and applying laws, and their decisions serve as binding precedents for future cases. Common law is primarily practiced in countries such as England, the United States, and Australia.
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common name
The idiom "common name" refers to a frequently used or widely known name for a person, place, or thing. It is a term that is easily recognizable and does not stand out in a distinctive way.
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common salt
The idiom "common salt" refers to ordinary table salt or sodium chloride, which is a mineral substance used for flavoring, preserving, and seasoning food. It is called "common salt" to distinguish it from more specialized types of salt, such as sea salt or Himalayan salt. The idiom is often used metaphorically to represent something basic, ubiquitous, or unremarkable.
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common thread
The common thread refers to a unifying or recurring element or theme among various ideas, events, or situations. It represents a fundamental similarity that connects or ties together different things or people.
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common touch, the
The idiom "common touch, the" refers to the ability or quality of a person, particularly someone in a position of power or authority, to relate to and connect with everyday people. It implies that the individual possesses humility, empathy, and a genuine understanding of the lives and concerns of ordinary people. They are seen as approachable and able to communicate effectively with people from various walks of life.
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have (something) in common (with someone or something)
The idiom "have (something) in common (with someone or something)" means to share a characteristic, interest, experience, or trait with someone or something. It implies a similarity or connection between two or more individuals or things.
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have in common
The idiom "have in common" means to share similar traits, interests, experiences, or characteristics with someone or something else. It implies that there are certain aspects or qualities that are mutually shared or possessed by multiple individuals or objects.
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have something in common
The idiom "have something in common" means to share similarities or interests with someone or something else. It refers to finding shared qualities, experiences, or opinions that create a mutual connection or understanding between two or more people.
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the common weal
The idiom "the common weal" refers to the well-being or welfare of the general public or the common good of a society as a whole. It emphasises the idea of collective benefit and prosperity rather than individual interests.
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the common/general run
The idiom "the common/general run" refers to the average or usual type or group of people or things in a particular category. It suggests the majority or typical representation within a specific context.
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the common run of (something)
The idiom "the common run of (something)" refers to the average or typical type or quality of something. It describes the majority or usual standard of a particular thing or group. It suggests that the thing being referred to is not exceptional or outstanding, but rather falls within the normal range.
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in common (with someone or something)
The idiom "in common (with someone or something)" means to share similar characteristics, interests, or experiences with someone or something else. It indicates a common ground or similarity between two or more entities.
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common ground
The idiom "common ground" refers to a shared understanding, interest, or belief that allows for mutual agreement or cooperation between individuals or groups. It represents a point of similarity or agreement upon which parties can build a relationship or resolve conflicts.
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find common ground
The idiom "find common ground" refers to the act of searching for shared interests, beliefs, or values in order to establish mutual understanding or reach an agreement with someone. It involves identifying common points of view or shared goals, even amidst differences or disagreements.
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common or garden variety
The idiom "common or garden variety" refers to something or someone that is ordinary, plain, or unremarkable. It is often used to describe something or someone that is unexceptional or typical in nature, lacking any special qualities or features. The phrase is derived from the idea of a garden that consists of regular, common plants and is not particularly unique or rare.
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common or garden
The idiom "common or garden" is used to describe something ordinary, common, or typical. It refers to a person or thing that lacks any special qualities or features, and is similar to the phrase "run-of-the-mill" or "average."
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be common knowledge
The idiom "be common knowledge" refers to information or facts that are widely known or recognized by most people within a particular group or community. It signifies the shared understanding or awareness of something among a large number of individuals.
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ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory
The idiom "An ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory" generally means that practical, real-life experience and logical thinking are more valuable and useful than mere theoretical knowledge. It suggests that having practical wisdom and using common sense is often more effective in solving problems or making decisions than relying solely on theoretical knowledge or abstract ideas.
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common knowledge
The idiom "common knowledge" refers to information or facts that are widely known or understood by a large number of people within a particular community or society. It describes shared knowledge that is generally accepted and doesn't require explicit explanation or justification.
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make common cause against (someone or something)
The idiom "make common cause against (someone or something)" means to join together with others to oppose or fight against a person, group, or thing, usually sharing a common goal or interest. It implies collaboration and unity among different parties, setting aside differences to form a collective front against a common enemy or objective.
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the lowest common denominator
The idiom "the lowest common denominator" refers to the least sophisticated or the most basic level of taste, intelligence, or quality that is shared by a large group of people. It implies appealing to the lowest or easiest-to-please common denominator to cater to the majority or the least demanding individuals.
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be common/public knowledge
The idiom "be common/public knowledge" refers to information or facts that are widely known or widely understood by the general public or a large group of people. It implies that the information is not a secret or a private matter but has become widespread and easily accessible to anyone.
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the common, general, ordinary, usual run (of something)
The idiom "the common, general, ordinary, usual run (of something)" refers to the typical or average type or quality of something. It signifies the standard or typical level or standard of something, without any exceptional or outstanding characteristics.
Similar spelling words for COMMON
- command,
- comma,
- connon,
- cammon,
- commune,
- comment,
- COMAN,
- commoner,
- come-on,
- coming,
- come in,
- commend,
- come on,
- commonly,
- cowman.
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