common sense
HighGeneral
Definition
Meaning
Sound practical judgment derived from experience rather than specialized knowledge; the basic ability to perceive and understand things in a sensible, logical way.
A generally accepted or culturally shared understanding of basic realities and reasonable behaviour; also, the foundational reasoning behind an entire philosophy or movement (e.g., Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A mass noun, typically treated as singular. Often preceded by the article 'a' to denote an instance or quality ('a lack of common sense'). Despite 'sense' being countable, 'common sense' is not pluralized.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling remains identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry a positive connotation (practical wisdom) but also a sometimes dismissive one (implying simplistic reasoning).
Frequency
Extremely common in both dialects, with roughly equal frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] has/lacks common sense[Subject] defies/applies common senseIt's just common sense [that...]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Common sense is not so common.”
- “A triumph of hope over common sense.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'A common-sense review of the process eliminated wasteful steps.'
Academic
'The philosophical debate challenges the very premises of everyday common sense.'
Everyday
'Just use your common sense and lock the door when you leave.'
Technical
Rare; replaced by terms like 'heuristic', 'rule of thumb', or 'best practice'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She took a commonsense view of the budget crisis.
- His advice was refreshingly commonsense.
American English
- We need a commonsense approach to gun control.
- It was a commonsense reform everyone supported.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Wear a coat. It's cold outside – it's common sense!
- It's just common sense to save some money each month.
- The policy, while well-intentioned, seems to defy basic common sense.
- Her polemic attacked the unexamined common sense underpinning mainstream economic theory.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COMMON SENSE: Sound, COMMONly held, and makes SENSE.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMON SENSE IS A TOOL (use your common sense), COMMON SENSE IS A POSSESSION (he has no common sense).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct calque like 'общее чувство' or 'общее ощущение'. The correct equivalent is 'здравый смысл'.
- Do not confuse with 'common knowledge' (общеизвестный факт).
Common Mistakes
- Using as a plural ('He has great common senses').
- Writing as one word ('commonsense' is usually only correct as a pre-noun adjective: 'a commonsense approach').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a valid use of 'common sense'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as two words (common sense). The hyphenated form 'common-sense' is sometimes used, and 'commonsense' is typically only correct when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., a commonsense rule).
Yes, when referring to a specific instance or quality of it, e.g., 'He displayed a common sense I hadn't seen before.' However, it is more common without the article: 'He displayed common sense.'
Direct opposites include 'folly', 'stupidity', or 'nonsense'. In context, 'irrationality' or 'impracticality' can also serve as antonyms.
No. Intelligence often refers to cognitive ability, abstract reasoning, and learning capacity. Common sense refers specifically to practical, sound judgment in everyday situations. A highly intelligent person can lack common sense, and vice versa.
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