COMMONS Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "commons" generally refers to a shared or communal area or resource that is accessible to all members of a community or society. It can denote both a physical space and a concept pertaining to collective ownership and management.
In its physical sense, "commons" often refers to an open field or tract of land that is available for use by the general public rather than being privately owned. These communal spaces are typically utilized for grazing livestock, gathering firewood, or collecting natural resources. Traditionally, commons were maintained through customary practices, such as rotating grazing rights or seasonal usage arrangements.
On a broader level, the concept of "commons" also refers to shared resources that are collectively owned and managed by a community. This can include public goods like clean air or clean water, as well as cultural resources like libraries, parks, or public transportation systems. The principles of equity, inclusivity, and sustainability are often associated with the concept of commons, emphasizing the need for responsible and equitable management of shared resources to ensure their long-term availability to all members of society.
The idea of commons is closely linked to the concept of the "tragedy of the commons," a theory explaining how common resources can be depleted or mismanaged due to individual self-interest. Therefore, effective governance mechanisms and regulations are often necessary to protect and sustain the commons for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
-
In Great Britain, the lower House of Parliament whose members are elected by the people; food provided at a common table; short-commons, insufficient fare; stinted diet; Doctors Commons, in London, a college for the professors of the civil law having a great registry of wills.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for COMMONS *
* 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 COMMONS
Etymology of COMMONS
The word "commons" has its etymology in Old English. It derives from the Old English word "gemǣne", which means "common" or "shared". This word eventually evolved into "gemǣne", and further changes in pronunciation led to the word "common" in Middle English. The word "commons" specifically emerged in the late 14th century, referring to land or resources that were held or used collectively by a community or group. It also came to describe the group of people who shared these common resources, such as commoners or the common population.
Similar spelling words for COMMONS
- coming,
- commoner,
- common axe,
- communism,
- coaming,
- commonness,
- common ax,
- communist,
- commonage,
- common oak,
- commensal,
- comments,
- commence,
- commands,
- comenius,
- commonest,
- comanche,
- communise,
- communize,
- commingle,
- common.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
