common Definition
- 1occurring, found, or done often; prevalent.
- 2belonging to or shared by two or more people or things.
- 3ordinary; of no special quality; standard.
Using common: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "common" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
It is common for people to feel nervous before a job interview.
Example
The most common type of bird in this area is the sparrow.
Example
We have a common goal of improving our community.
Example
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract.
Example
The two countries share a common border.
common Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for common
- usual
- frequent
- widespread
- general
- shared
Antonyms for common
- uncommon
- rare
- unique
Phrases with common
in common
shared by two or more people or things
Example
They have a lot in common.
common ground
shared beliefs, interests, or opinions between two or more people or groups
Example
We need to find some common ground if we want to reach an agreement.
common sense
good judgment and practical knowledge based on experience rather than theory
Example
It's just common sense to wear a seatbelt when driving.
Origins of common
from Old English 'cuman', meaning 'together'
Summary: common in Brief
The term 'common' [ˈkɒmən] refers to something that is frequent, shared, or ordinary. It can describe anything from a viral infection to a goal shared by a group. Phrases like 'in common' and 'common ground' denote shared experiences or beliefs. 'Common sense' refers to practical knowledge based on experience. Synonyms include 'usual,' 'frequent,' and 'widespread.'