common

I UK [ˈkɒmən] / US [ˈkɑmən] adjective
Word forms "common":
adjective common superlative commonest
***

1)

a) 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.

b) [only before noun] used in the names of birds and animals when there are more of them than related birds and animals

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.

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.

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?

5)

a) old-fashioned an insulting way of describing someone from a low social class

He's such a common little man.

b) used about people's behaviour or appearance

•

- the common good

- common practice

- the common touch

- make common cause with someone

See:

consent I

II UK [ˈkɒmən] / US [ˈkɑmən] noun [countable]
Word forms "common":
singular common plural commons

a large piece of open land in a village or town where anyone can walk, play sports etc

They'd been for a walk on the common.

•

have something in common (with someone) — to have the same interests or opinions as someone else

We've got such a lot in common.

I don't think they've got much in common with their neighbours.

have something in common (with something) — to have the same features as something else

This area obviously has a lot in common with other inner-city areas.

- in common with

See:

the House of Commons