common
common
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "common" is /ˈkɒmən/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
ˈkɒm:
/k/: Voiceless velar stop
/ɒ/: Open back rounded vowel (as in "lot")
/m/: Bilabial nasal
ən:
/ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)
/n/: Alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
Common" primarily functions as an adjective. It can also act as a noun, especially in specific phrases.
Adjective Forms:
Positive: common (e.g., "It's a common occurrence.")
Comparative: more common (e.g., "This is even more common now.")
Superlative: most common (e.g., "That's the most common mistake.")
Noun Forms:
Singular: common (e.g., "The village green is the common.")
Plural: commons (e.g., "The rights of the commons were protected.")
Related Forms:
Adverb: commonly (e.g., "It's commonly known.")
Noun: commonness (e.g., "The commonness of the illness surprised them.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective Definitions
Occurring, found, or done often; prevalent.
Synonyms: Frequent, usual, ordinary, standard, regular, widespread, universal
Antonyms: Uncommon, rare, unusual, extraordinary, unique, singular
Shared by two or more people or groups; belonging to or affecting all.
Synonyms: Shared, mutual, collective, joint, communal, public
Antonyms: Separate, individual, private, personal, exclusive
(Of a person or thing) Lacking refinement, distinction, or good breeding; ordinary or vulgar.
Synonyms: Ordinary, vulgar, coarse, crude, unrefined, plebeian, low-class
Antonyms: Refined, elegant, sophisticated, noble, aristocratic, cultured
Noun Definitions
Land or resources belonging to or used by the community as a whole.
Synonyms: Communal land, public land, green, pasture (historical)
Antonyms: Private property, individual holding
(The Commons) The common people, as distinguished from the nobility or clergy.
Synonyms: Populace, commonalty, masses, multitude
Antonyms: Aristocracy, nobility, elite, gentry
Examples of Use
Books
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813) – Here, "universally acknowledged" implies a common understanding.
"Through the common we passed, where the cattle grazed peacefully." (Often found in historical novels or pastoral literature)
Newspapers and Online Publications
"Inflation is a common concern for households across the country." (The Daily Nation)
"The use of social media has become increasingly common among all age groups." (Pew Research Center)
"Scientists are studying how to protect the common good while fostering individual innovation." (Scientific American)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film: "It's a pretty common trope in horror films to have the phone lines go dead." (A common observation in film criticism)
Television: "His ability to connect with the common man made him a beloved figure." (Often heard in documentaries or historical dramas about leaders)
Music: "We share a common ground, a love for the blues." (Lyrics in many songs emphasizing shared interests)
Video Games: Many online multiplayer games have "casual" or "common" matches, indicating standard play without competitive ranking.
General Public Discourse
"It's a common courtesy to hold the door open for others." (Everyday advice on manners)
"Do we have any common interests?" (Asking about shared hobbies or passions)
"That type of behavior is quite common in teenagers." (Discussing general observations about age groups)
"We need to work for the common good of the community." (Expressing a desire for collective benefit)
10 Quotes Using Common
"Common sense is not so common." (Voltaire)
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent." (Calvin Coolidge)
"The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy." (Sam Levenson)
"Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal." (John F. Kennedy)
"A camel is a horse designed by a committee." (Often attributed to Sir Alec Issigonis, referring to a design by common compromise)
"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." (Albert Einstein)
"To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence." (Sun Tzu)
"Ain't no man can avoid being born average, but there ain't no man got to be common." (Satchel Paige)
"Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
"We can find common ground only by moving to higher ground." (Jim Wallis)
Etymology
The word "common" comes from the Latin word "communis," which meant "shared by all" or "public." This Latin root is also the source of words like "community" and "communicate."
The first known use of "common" in English, appearing around the late 12th century, directly reflected this Latin meaning: something that was shared by many, public, or generally accessible. For instance, "common land" was land used by everyone in a village. Over time, it also developed the sense of something being ordinary or frequent because shared things are often widespread.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Common
Common ground: Shared interests, beliefs, or understanding.
Example: "Despite their differences, they found common ground on the need for education reform."
Common sense: Practical good sense in everyday matters.
Example: "Using a little common sense would have prevented that mistake."
Common knowledge: Something that is widely known or generally accepted.
Example: "It's common knowledge that the restaurant closes early on Sundays."
Common good: The benefit or interests of all.
Example: "Leaders should always act for the common good of the community."
Common law: The part of English law that is derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes.
Example: "Many legal systems have roots in common law."
Common touch: The ability to relate to ordinary people.
Example: "The politician's common touch made him very popular."
The common man: The average person, not of noble or privileged birth.
Example: "The film aimed to tell the story of the common man."
Run-of-the-mill: (Using a synonym, meaning ordinary or average).
Example: "It was a pretty run-of-the-mill performance."
Everyday occurrence: (Using a synonym, meaning something that happens regularly).
Example: "Traffic jams are an everyday occurrence in the city."
A dime a dozen: (An idiom meaning something is very common and therefore not special).
Example: "Ideas are a dime a dozen; execution is key."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of common from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
