common
28 synonyms and 12 antonyms for common, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Happening often, or found in large numbers; not rare.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use common
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French comun, from Latin communis ("shared, general, public") — ultimately from roots meaning "held together."
Full origin of common →Frequently asked questions
What does “common” mean?
The word “common” means happening often, or found in large numbers; not rare. In plain terms, shared by many, or simply ordinary and unremarkable.
How do you pronounce “common”?
“Common” is pronounced KOM-uhn (/ˈkɑ.mən/ in IPA).
How do you use “common” in a sentence?
Here is “common” used in a sentence: “Colds are common in winter.”
What is another word for “common”?
Words with a similar meaning to “common” include average, basic, bog-standard, common as bums, common as dirt and common as muck.
What is the opposite of “common”?
The opposite of “common” — its antonyms — are abnormal, atypical, exceptional, uncommon and exotic.
What part of speech is “common”?
Depending on how it is used, “common” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “common” come from?
The word “common” comes from Latin. From Old French comun, from Latin communis ("shared, general, public") — ultimately from roots meaning "held together.".
Is “common” a common word?
“Common” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between common and rare?
They are opposites. Something common happens often or exists in large numbers, so you meet it easily and regularly. Something rare occurs seldom or in small numbers, so it is hard to find. A sparrow is a common bird; a golden eagle is comparatively rare. Frequency and abundance separate the two.
What is the difference between common and ordinary?
Common stresses frequency — how often something occurs or how widely it is found. Ordinary stresses quality — being plain, average, and unremarkable. A mistake can be common because many people make it, while a meal is ordinary because it is nothing special. Something common is not always ordinary.
What is the opposite of common?
In the sense of frequency, the opposites are rare, uncommon, and scarce — words for what happens seldom or is hard to find. Unusual and infrequent also fit. Each stresses that something is met with only occasionally, in contrast to the everyday and widespread nature of what is common.
What is an example of common?
Colds are common illnesses because so many people catch them. Daisies are common flowers, seen in gardens and fields everywhere. A common surname is one shared by large numbers of people. In each case, the thing is frequent or plentiful rather than rare or unusual.