common

Part of Speech

adjective, noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒmən/

Definitions

• Adjective: Occurring, found, or done often; prevalent.
• Adjective: Shared by, coming from, or relating to more than one person or thing.
• Adjective: Usual, typical, or not rare.
• Noun: A person or thing that is usual, typical, or ordinary.
• Noun: The general body of people or things that are common in nature or quality.

Usage Examples

• The common cold is a disease that affects millions of people every year.
• We share a common goal of improving the community.
• His behavior was quite common for someone of his age.
• The common people have the power to influence change.

Etymology

From Middle English "comoun," derived from Old French "comun," from Latin "communis" meaning "shared by all, public." The word has roots in Latin and has evolved to denote something that is widespread, frequent, or shared by multiple individuals.

Synonyms

• Ordinary
• Frequent
• Usual
• Regular
• Everyday
• Widespread

Antonyms

• Rare
• Unusual
• Unique
• Extraordinary
• Exceptional

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the pronunciation is /ˈkɒmən/ with emphasis on the first syllable.
• In American English, the pronunciation is typically /ˈkɑːmən/ with a slightly more relaxed vowel sound in the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The word "common" has been used in the English language since the 14th century, originally to refer to something shared by all or most. Its meaning has evolved to include the notion of being ordinary, usual, or widespread. In early usage, it was often associated with the common people or the general populace, especially in contrast to the elite or noble classes.

Cultural Nuances

The term "common" has diverse meanings depending on the context. In social and political discussions, it can refer to ordinary people or things that are available to everyone, such as common goods. In cultural contexts, "common" can imply simplicity or a lack of sophistication, which can carry both positive and negative connotations depending on the perspective.

More Information

The word "common" is frequently used to describe things that are prevalent, shared, or not rare. In some cases, it reflects the everyday nature of something, such as "common knowledge" or "common sense." In other instances, it may highlight the frequency with which something occurs, such as in the case of "common diseases" or "common weather patterns." The concept of "commonness" can apply to both physical objects and abstract ideas, and it is often used to indicate the general, collective nature of something.