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common

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adjective American English pronunciation: common /ˈkɑmən/ 
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adjectivecommon
superlativecommonest
 
  1. 1
    happening frequently, or existing in large amounts or numbers

    Mergers and takeovers have become increasingly common in recent years.

    The most common criticism was that he was always late.

    Today smog is a common occurrence in many major cities.

    it is common for someone/something to do something:

    It was common for children to play in the street.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  commonThesaurus entry for this meaning of common
    1. a.
      [only before noun] used in the names of birds and animals when there are more of them than related birds and animals
      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  commonThesaurus entry for this meaning of common
  2. 2
    used, done, or shared by two or more people

    Member states also agreed to pursue a common trade policy.

    a group of people descended from a common ancestor

    common language:

    She was Swiss and I am from Vietnam, so French was our common language.

    common to:

    These issues are common to all our clients.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  commonThesaurus entry for this meaning of common
  3. 3
    [only before noun] ordinary, with no special status or rank

    a common soldier/criminal

    the common man:

    This is true both for the philosopher and the common man.

    the common people:

    In the fifteenth century the common people could neither read nor write.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  commonThesaurus entry for this meaning of common
  4. 4
    reaching the standard that you normally expect from most ordinary people
    common courtesy:

    It would only be common courtesy to return their hospitality.

    common decency:

    Why didn’t you have the common decency to inform your uncle of where you were going?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  commonThesaurus entry for this meaning of common
  5. 5
    mainly British old-fashioned an insulting way of describing someone from a low social class

    He’s such a common little man.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  commonThesaurus entry for this meaning of common
    1. a.
      mainly British used about people’s behavior or appearance

      Her language was indescribably common.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  commonThesaurus entry for this meaning of common

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This is the American English definition of common. View British English definition of common.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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