- 1more common and most common are more frequent happening often; existing in large numbers or in many places Jackson is a common American name. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in this country. Some birds which were once a common sight are now becoming rare. a common spelling mistake Allergies to milk are quite common in childhood. opposite uncommon
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- 2[usually before noun] common (to somebody/something) shared by or belonging to two or more people or by the people in a group They share a common interest in photography. basic features which are common to all human languages We are working together for a common purpose. common ownership of the land This decision was made for the common good (= the advantage of everyone). It is, by common consent, Oregon's prettiest bay (= everyone agrees that it is).
- 3[only before noun] ordinary; not unusual or special the common garden frog Shakespeare's work was popular among the common people in his day. In most people's eyes she was nothing more than a common criminal. You'd think he'd have the common courtesy to apologize (= this would be the polite behavior that people would expect). It's only common decency to let her know what's happening (= people would expect it). Idioms
to be something that everyone knows, especially in a particular community or group Their relationship is common knowledge.
the ability of a powerful or famous person to talk to and understand ordinary people
to be united with someone about something that you both agree on, believe in, or wish to achieve
Check pronunciation: common