common

(kŏmˈən)

1. a. Belonging equally to or shared equally by two or more; joint: common interests.
   b. Of or relating to the community as a whole; public: for the common good. See Usage Note at mutual.
2. Widespread; prevalent.
3. a. Occurring frequently or habitually; usual.
   b. Most widely known; ordinary: the common housefly.
4. Having no special designation, status, or rank: a common sailor.
5. a. Not distinguished by superior or noteworthy characteristics; average: the common spectator.
   b. Of no special quality; standard: common procedure.
   c. Of mediocre or inferior quality; second-rate: common cloth.
6. Unrefined or coarse in manner; vulgar: behavior that branded him as common.
7. Grammar
   a. Either masculine or feminine in gender.
   b. Representing one or all of the members of a class; not designating a unique entity.

1. commons The common people; commonalty.
2. commons (used with a sing. or pl. verb)
   a. The social class composed of commoners.
   b. The parliamentary representatives of this class.
3. The House of Commons. Often used in the plural.
4. A tract of land, usually in a centrally located spot, belonging to or used by a community as a whole: a band concert on the village common.
5. The legal right of a person to use the lands or waters of another, as for fishing.
6. commons (used with a sing. verb) A building or hall for dining, typically at a university or college.
7. Common stock.
8. Ecclesiastical A service used for a particular class of festivals.

Related Forms:

• comˈmon·ly adverb

• comˈmon·ness noun