common

The word “common” means happening often, or found in large numbers; not rare. In plain terms, shared by many, or simply ordinary and unremarkable.

“Common” is pronounced KOM-uhn (/ˈkɑ.mən/ in IPA).

Here is “common” used in a sentence: “Colds are common in winter.”

Words with a similar meaning to “common” include average, basic, bog-standard, common as bums, common as dirt and common as muck.

The opposite of “common” — its antonyms — are abnormal, atypical, exceptional, uncommon and exotic.

Depending on how it is used, “common” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “common” comes from Latin. From Old French comun, from Latin communis ("shared, general, public") — ultimately from roots meaning "held together.".

“Common” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

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.

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.

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.

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.