COMMONPLACES Meaning and
Definition
-
Commonplaces refer to ideas, concepts, or statements that are widely known, familiar, or easily recognizable. They are commonly accepted notions or beliefs that are shared within a particular society, culture, or community. Commonplaces are often seen as clichés or truisms that express widely-acknowledged truths or experiences. They can refer to general observations about human life, social norms, traditional wisdom, or cultural beliefs.
In literature, commonplaces are frequently used as rhetorical devices to appeal to the shared knowledge and understanding of readers. Writers incorporate commonplaces into their works to connect with their audience and to convey universal themes or concepts. By utilizing commonplaces, writers can evoke empathy, evoke emotions, or establish a sense of familiarity within their readership.
Commonplaces can also be applied in everyday conversations. People often employ commonplaces as a way to express agreement, empathy, or to establish a connection with others. For instance, phrases like "time flies," "actions speak louder than words," or "the grass is always greener on the other side" are examples of commonplaces that are frequently used in informal discussions.
Overall, commonplaces are conventional ideas or expressions that have become widely recognized and accepted within a particular cultural or societal context. They serve as a form of shared knowledge and understanding, invoking a sense of familiarity or universality in both literary and everyday contexts.
Common Misspellings for COMMONPLACES
Etymology of COMMONPLACES
The word "commonplaces" derives from the combination of two separate words: "common" and "places".
The word "common" originated from the Latin word "communis" meaning "shared" or "public". It entered Middle English in the 14th century, referring to something that is widespread or ordinary.
The term "places" comes from the Latin word "locus" meaning "a place". In the context of "commonplaces", it refers to the physical or metaphorical locations where common ideas, thoughts, or concepts are stored.
When combined, "commonplaces" refers to the literary practice of collecting or compiling general ideas or themes in one place for easy reference, hence the term "commonplace books". These books were popular during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, and individuals would create their own collections of quotations, proverbs, or observations for personal reflection and future use.
Similar spelling words for COMMONPLACES
- common pea,
- commonplace,
- common plum,
- common hops,
- commonplaceness,
- common fate,
- common viper,
- common plantain,
- common people,
- common hop,
- common bean,
- common fennel.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
