Common

/ˈkɒm.ən/ · adjective

Meaning

Mutual; shared by more than one..

Definitions by Sense

1. Mutual; shared by more than one.
2. Of a quality: existing among virtually all people; universal.
3. Occurring or happening regularly or frequently; usual.
4. Found in large numbers or in a large quantity; usual.
5. Simple, ordinary or vulgar.
6. (taxonomy) As part of the vernacular name of a species, usually denoting that it is abundant or widely known.
7. (taxonomy) Vernacular, referring to the name of a kind of plant or animal.
8. (law) Arising from use or tradition, as opposed to being created by a legislative body.

Example Sentences

The two competitors have the common aim of winning the championship.

Winning the championship is an aim common to the two competitors.

Nothing was too small to receive attention, if a supervising eye could suggest improvements likely to conduce to the common welfare. Mr. Gordon Burnage, for instance, personally visited dust-bins and back premises, accompanied by a sort of village bailiff, going his round like a commanding officer doing billets.

They shared a common dread that he would begin moaning.

common knowledge, common decency, common sense

No man of common humanity, no man who had any value for his character, could be capable of it.

It is common to find sharks off this coast.

Thus it is sayde in the cōmon vsage.

Synonyms for common

Antonyms for common

Related Words

Word Forms

• commoner
• most common
• commonest
• commons
• commoning
• commoned

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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