common1 adjectivecommon2 noun
commoncom‧mon1 /ˈkɒmən $ ˈkɑː-/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective 
WORD ORIGINcommon1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French commun, from Latin communisEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A common reason for not hiring someone is their lack of writing skills.
- Dating agencies try to match people with similar personalities and common interests.
- Flatheads are a common type of fish and good to eat.
- Foxes are common in the area.
- Foxes are very common around here.
- It's a common mathematical error.
- It's becoming more and more common for women to keep their family name when they marry.
- It's very common for older children to feel jealous after the birth of a baby.
- Jones is a very common name in Britain.
- Luckily we all had a common language, English, which meant we could communicate with each other.
- Malaria is particularly common near swamps where mosquitoes can breed.
- Many of the more common forms of cancer can be treated successfully if detected early.
- Monkeys and apes are so similar that it is reasonable to say they have a common ancestor.
- My daughter says politics is boring, which is a common attitude among teenagers.
- Olson is a very common last name in Minnesota.
- Personal computers are nearly as common in American homes as televisions.
- Petty theft and pickpocketing are becoming increasingly common in the city centre.
- Students and faculty are working toward a common goal.
- The Allies worked to defeat a common enemy.
- The condition is most common among women aged 18 to 24.
THESAURUS
if something is common, there are a lot of them: · Jones is a very common name in Great Britain.· Foxes are common in the area.· Personal computers are nearly as common in American homes as televisions.
happening in a lot of places or done by a lot of people: · Racism is much more widespread than people imagine.· The report claimed that the problem of police brutality was widespread.· the widespread availability of antibiotics
[not before noun] especially written common in a particular place or time – used especially when saying that this seems surprising or unusual: · Crimes such as robbery are commonplace in big cities.· Expensive foreign cars are commonplace in this Chicago suburb.
formal common in a place or among a group of people – used especially about illnesses, problems, or ideas: · Flu is most prevalent during the winter months.· Depression remains one of the most prevalent health disorders in the US.· This belief is more prevalent among men than women.
[not before noun] very common – used about illnesses or problems: · AIDS is rife in some parts of the world.
formal very common and seen in many different places – often used humorously in written descriptions: · He was carrying the ubiquitous MP3 player.· In Britain, CCTV cameras are ubiquitous.
especially spoken used when saying that you can see something a lot in many different places: · Images of the dictator were everywhere.· Microchips seem to be everywhere these days – even in washing machines.· One of the first things you notice in Amsterdam are the bicycles – they’re everywhere.
Longman Language Activatorwhen there are a lot of something if something is common , there are a lot of them and they are not unusual: · Jones is a very common name in Great Britain.· Foxes are common in the area.· Personal computers are nearly as common in American homes as televisions.
to be extremely common and be seen in many different places: · Images of the dictator were everywhere.· Microchips seem to be everywhere these days -- even in washing machines.· One of the first things you notice in Beijing are the bicycles - they're everywhere.
things that are commonplace exist in large numbers so that they are not considered to be special or unusual even though in other places they may be much less common: · Superstores such as Wal-Mart are now commonplace in America's small towns.· Expensive foreign cars are commonplace in this Chicago suburb.
British /be a dime a dozen American informal to be very common in a particular area and therefore not be considered special or unusual: · Jobs like this are a dime a dozen.·
when something happens a lot happening often or in a lot of places: · It's a common mathematical error.· Petty theft and pickpocketing are becoming increasingly common in the city centre.· Many of the more common forms of cancer can be treated successfully if detected early.common among: · The condition is most common among women aged 18 to 24.it is common for something to happen/somebody to do something: · It's very common for older children to feel jealous after the birth of a baby.
happening in a lot of places or done by a lot of people: · Racism is much more widespread than people imagine.· The report claimed that the problem of police brutality was widespread.· Thanks to the widespread availability of antibiotics diseases such as typhoid have largely been eradicated.
happening very often, and therefore not considered to be special or unusual: · Nudism on beaches has long been commonplace in Europe.· Organ transplants are now commonplace.increasingly commonplace: · It used to be rare to see young people sleeping on the streets of London -- these days it's become increasingly commonplace.
if bad behaviour such as stealing or violence is rife in a particular area it happens very often there: · Political corruption was rife in those days.something is rife with something: · A place like Hollywood is always rife with gossip.· The schools are rife with drug abuse.
formal a problem, idea, or type of behaviour that is prevalent in one place, time, or group of people is common there: · Flu is most prevalent during the winter months.· Depression remains one of the most prevalent health disorders in the US.· This belief is more prevalent among men than women.
problems, behaviour, or situations that are pervasive are very common and are spreading to more and more people or areas so that they are impossible to prevent: · Violence and crime are pervasive features of city life.· She argues that sexual discrimination remains a pervasive element in corporate culture.all-pervasive (=extremely pervasive): · the all-pervasive influence of television
feelings that everyone has, something that everyone does etc done, felt, used etc by all the people in a group or all the people in the world: · There does not appear to be universal agreement on the future of the British monarchy.· Support for the government is by no means universal.have universal appeal (=be liked by everyone): · It is not easy to write a song that has universal appeal.
if a group of people or a decision they make is unanimous , all the members of the group agree about something: · Many party members agreed with their leader, but they certainly weren't unanimous.somebody is unanimous that: · Medical opinion is unanimous that John's condition is unlikely to improve.somebody is unanimous in (doing) something: · The meeting was unanimous in adopting the proposals.unanimous decision/agreement/verdict etc (=a decision that everyone in a group agrees on): · The committee made a unanimous decision to expel the three students.· The resolution was affirmed by a unanimous vote.
collective decisions, responsibilities, guilt etc, are shared or made by every member of a group: · Unless we act now to protect the environment, we shall have failed in our collective responsibility to future generations.· The present crisis is a result of the collective failure of the political parties to put forward a plausible economic programme.
something that is common to everyone is something that everyone shares: · Luckily we all had a common language, English, which meant we could communicate with each other.· Monkeys and apes are so similar that it is reasonable to say they have a common ancestor.common to: · These problems are common to all modern societies.
if people share a feeling, belief etc, they all have that feeling, belief etc: · None of us are close friends but we all share an interest in sport.· One thing united all three men - they shared a burning hatred of the political regime under which they lived.
when there is a lot of something in many areas if an object, animal, disease etc is common , there is a very large number or amount of objects, animals etc of this type in many different places: · Jones is a very common name in Britain.· Flatheads are a common type of fish and good to eat.· Malaria is particularly common near swamps where mosquitoes can breed.
having an effect on a lot of people over a wide area: · Poverty in the region is widespread.widespread damage/flooding/poverty etc: · Heavy rains have led to the most widespread flooding in a decade.· Ethiopia was suffering widespread famine and disease.
covering a large area or a large range of information, ideas etc: · Damage to the forests from the wildfires was extensive.· The ancient Greeks had an extensive knowledge of the stars.· Abortion has been the subject of extensive debate in the US.
done or believed by a lot of people · Using "lay" instead of "lie" is a very common mistake.· It's becoming more and more common for women to keep their family name when they marry.· My daughter says politics is boring, which is a common attitude among teenagers.
done, believed, or felt by a lot of ordinary people have: · There is still a lot of popular support for the ex-president.· I don't accept the popular view that all criminals should be put in prison.contrary to popular belief (=the opposite of what most ordinary people believe): · Contrary to popular belief, the Australian desert is often full of wildlife.
done, believed or felt by a lot of people in many different places: · There was now widespread public support for healthcare reform.· The airlines' failures were in part caused by widespread concern about air safety.· The practice of adding preservatives to basic foods is widespread.
: widely accepted/believed/known/practised/used etc done, believed or felt by a lot of people in many different places: · Silicon Valley is widely known as California's high-tech center.· A hundred years ago it was widely believed that there was life on Mars.· Asbestos was once widely used in the building industry.
not happening often something that is rare does not happen often: · Snow is a rare sight here, except on the mountains.· On the rare occasions when we had to work hard, we enjoyed it.· In a rare moment of vanity, Carl removed his glasses.it is rare for somebody/something to do something: · It is very rare for anyone to actually die from bee stings in this country.
fairly rare: · Crimes against elderly people are still uncommon.· Her time in hospital had given her an empathy with her patients not common among physicians.it is uncommon to do something: · When I was young it was uncommon to see a man pushing a baby buggy.
spoken if you say you don't often see something, find something etc, you mean this happens only very rarely: · You don't often find really good tropical fruit in this country.· We had over 200 replies. You don't often get such a good response from an advert.
formal not happening often: · As time went on, her visits became more and more infrequent.· Cases of typhoid are relatively infrequent in Northern Europe.· Roger's infrequent letters home did not reveal much about his personal life.
the same one the same place, person, or thing, not a different one: · My friend and I went to the same school.· They work in different offices, but they have the same boss.· He could hardly believe that the woman sitting in front of him was the same one he'd seen on TV so many times.the same ... as: · She was born on the same day as me.· I was staying in the same hotel as Nelson Mandela. Can you believe it!
two or more people who have common aims, interests, beliefs etc have the same interests, aims, or beliefs: · We have a common goal - the creation of a united Europe.· Dating agencies try to match people with similar personalities and common interests.common ground (=opinions, beliefs etc shared between people): · There was a great deal of common ground between all the different representatives.
use this to emphasize that someone or something is the same person or thing, not a different one, when this is interesting or surprising: · This is the very same house where Shakespeare wrote most of his plays.· Television gets most of its stories from the very tabloid newspapers it is so fond of attacking.· The self-same people who complain about low-flying aircraft are the ones who will be jetting off to Florida on their holidays next year.
not what usually happens · We had snow in April, which is very unusual.· She had an unusual last name - Peachtree or Plumtree or something like that.· I first met Maria in unusual circumstances -- we were both stuck in a Brazilian airport.it is unusual to do something · It is unusual to find lakes of this size in Britain.it is unusual for somebody to do something · We were beginning to worry. It was unusual for David to be so late.
something that is extraordinary is very unusual because it would normally be very unlikely to happen or exist: · The man's story was so extraordinary that I didn't know whether to believe him or not.· He said it was an extraordinary decision and would send many industries spinning into recession.an extraordinary thing to do/say/happen: · She left her husband, and in 1912 that was an extraordinary thing to do.quite/most extraordinary British (=very extraordinary): · The whole incident had been quite extraordinary.
an exceptional situation is very unusual and happens very rarely: · A few of the top executives are women, but this is still exceptional.in exceptional circumstances/cases: · Exit visas are only given in exceptional circumstances.
something that is uncommon or not common is unusual because it does not happen very often: · The disease mostly affects older people, and is not common among people under 50.it is uncommon/not common (for somebody) to do something: · It is uncommon for small babies to sleep more than four hours without waking.
spoken say you don't usually see, find, hear etc something when it is very unusual to see it, find it etc: · You don't usually see rabbits of this size.· You don't often get people ringing up in the middle of the night to say they've found a body in the bath.
unusual and surprising or special: · Something out of the ordinary happened to us that night.· The goalkeeper did not have to do anything out of the ordinary to keep his side in the game.
a special occasion, situation, method etc is one that is different from what normally happens, and usually better: · There were special security arrangements for the President's visit.· The prince said he didn't want any special treatment in his new school.special event/occasion: · I would only buy expensive shoes for a special event such as a wedding.· a book of recipes for every day and special occasions tooin special circumstances: · Prisoners are only allowed to visit their families in special circumstances.
: freak accident/storm/conditions etc an accident, storm etc that is very unusual and unexpected: · He broke his leg in a freak training accident.· A freak wave wrecked most of the seafront.· Two planes were lifted up and thrown across the tarmac by a freak gust of wind.
off-beat films, designs, ideas etc are unusual and often seem interesting or humorous because they are so different from the usual ones: · We had some really offbeat ideas for T-shirt designs.· Movies featuring original or offbeat material are rarely big box-office successes.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Joe was chosen as captain by common consent (=with everyone’s agreement). It is common knowledge that travel broadens the mind. The 20th century was called the century of the common man (=ordinary people).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Lions and house cats evolved from a common ancestor (=the same ancestor). It’s a matter of common courtesy to acknowledge letters. Often parents and teenagers find they have little common ground (=they do not share the same attitudes etc). We must never forget our common humanity. There is a popular misconception that too much exercise is bad for you. Laughter was a rare occurrence in his classroom. Flooding in the area is a common occurrence. Rice formed the staple food of the common people. a common thread running within his work
Joe was chosen as captain by common consent (=with everyone’s agreement). It is common knowledge that travel broadens the mind. The 20th century was called the century of the common man (=ordinary people). (=an aim that people, countries etc share)· We know the value of working closely together to pursue our common aims.
Lions and house cats evolved from a common ancestor (=the same ancestor).· There’s a common assumption that science is more difficult than other subjects.
(=that a lot of people believe)· There is a common belief that educational standards are declining.
(=one that people share)· They shared a common bond – a love of literature.
(=that countries share)· India and Pakistan each withdrew troops from their common border.
· Alcohol is the most common cause of road accidents.
(=that people or things share)· Successful firms tend to have common characteristics.
formal· There are hundreds of viruses that cause the common cold.
· Some people are brilliant thinkers, but they have no common sense.
· If something goes wrong, just use your common sense.
· The job doesn't require much training because it's based on common sense.
· His attitude shows no common sense at all.
· Common sense tells me that I should get more sleep.
· People don't always do what common sense suggests.
(=tells you something very clearly)· Common sense dictates that you should avoid handling wild animals.
(=is strong enough to make you do the sensible thing)· Eventually common sense prevailed and they reached an agreement.
(=not be sensible)· The proposed change in the law defies common sense.
(=very obviously sensible)· Locking your doors at night is simple common sense.
(=sensible and reliable)· These ideas contained much sound common sense.
· We need a common sense approach to caring for the environment.
· Ross took the common sense view that it would be better to stay at home.
(=something that requires no more than common sense)· Not driving too fast is just a matter of common sense.
· Leaving the child alone in the car showed a lack of common sense.
(=a very small amount)· Anyone with an ounce of common sense would have realised that was a silly thing to do.
· A common complaint of children is that parents do not listen to them.
(=one that many people share)· Rising food prices are a common concern.
· Depression is a very common condition.
It’s a matter of common courtesy to acknowledge letters. (=one that societies or people share)· Britain and America are united by a common culture.
(=the subjects that everyone must study because they are considered very important)· There has been a lot of debate on the content of the core curriculum.
(=standards of behaviour that are expected of everyone) The film was banned on the grounds of public decency.
The film was banned on the grounds of public decency.· Common sense dictates that you should avoid too much sun.
(=one that a lot of people have)· Deciding whether to put an elderly parent in a nursing home is a common dilemma.
· common childhood diseases
· Acne is a very common skin disorder.
(=one shared by groups of people)· We must work together against the common enemy.
· a common error which students often make when writing essays
· The death of a child was a common event in those days.
· 'Pig out' is a common expression meaning 'to eat a lot'.
· Pine trees are a common feature of the Swedish landscape.
(=an aim shared by more than one person or organization)· Iran and Turkey shared common goals in their handling of the refugee crisis.
(=gossip that everyone knows about)· Rumours about her affairs had become common gossip.
Often parents and teenagers find they have little common ground (=they do not share the same attitudes etc). We must never forget our common humanity. (=a language that more than one person or group speaks, so that they can understand each other)· Most of the countries of South America share a common language: Spanish.
(=laws that have come from customs and the decisions of judges)· In common law, if a house is rented out, it is expected that the house is safe to live in.
There is a popular misconception that too much exercise is bad for you.· A common mistake is to imagine that dogs think like humans.
(=that many people believe)· Contrary to popular myth, most road accidents are not the result of speeding.
(=one that people, countries etc share)· Our employees have a sense of common objectives and their commitment is high.
Laughter was a rare occurrence in his classroom. Flooding in the area is a common occurrence. (=a place or situation in which different things all started to exist)· It may be that all life on Earth has a common origin.
Rice formed the staple food of the common people.· Cloudy water is a common phenomenon in new aquariums.
· These plants are common in British gardens.
(=a sensible decision is made) He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed.
He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed. (=one that people share)· We were bound together by a common purpose.
· Here you will see most of the common species of African wildlife.
· Current evidence indicates that older people are more healthy than popular stereotypes suggest.
· By far the most common symptom of caffeine withdrawal is headache.
· Death and rebirth is a common theme in Eliot’s poetry.
a common thread running within his workPHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► common courtesy/decency/politeness► common or garden► make/find common cause (with/against somebody)PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► have/make common cause (with/against somebody)► common-law marriage/husband/wife► as common as muck► next biggest/most common etc► in common parlance
1happening often happening often and to many people or in many places OPP rare: - Drunk-driving laws were made for the common good.
- The government creates laws for the common good.
- Today it is common practice to let children choose their own topics for writing.
- Wilson's critics say his handling of the deal shows he has lost his common touch.
- Democrats and Republicans did find some common ground in the debates about privacy.
- Laura's drinking problem was common knowledge throughout the department.
- They produce trashy TV programs that appeal to the lowest common denominator.
- He was the mandatory of his people, the trustee of the general good.
- Surely that is to the general good.
- It is normal practice for the definitive sale and purchase agreement to be drafted by the acquirer's solicitors.
- It is normal practice for the heads to specify that each party will be responsible for the costs of its own advisers.
- It is normal practice for the purchaser to order a survey for two reasons.
- It is normal practice for the vendor to disclose various documents to the purchaser as part of the disclosure exercise.
- Motorcycles would be kept out by barriers at each end - this is normal practice for cycle/pedestrian paths.
- The first is the wide variation in specification and finish that are standard practice in the motor industry.
- This is standard practice, but such an event is unlikely.
- Whatever the circumstances, it is standard practice in embryo transfer to introduce several embryos at a time.
Heart disease is one of the commonest causes of death.common among Bad dreams are fairly common among children.it’s common for somebody to do something It’s common for new fathers to feel jealous of the baby. ► Don’t say ‘It is common that ... ’ Say ‘It is common for ... ’: It is common for children to be afraid (NOT It is common that children are afraid) of the dark.► see thesaurus at normal2a lot existing in large numbers OPP rare: Daisies are very common flowers.3same/similar [usually before noun, no comparative] common aims, beliefs, ideas etc are shared by several people or groups: people working towards a common goal countries that share a common languagecommon to a theme that is common to all her novels4common ground facts, features, or beliefs that are shared by people or things that are very differentcommon between There is a great deal of common ground between management and trade unions on this issue.5shared by everyone [no comparative] belonging to or shared by everyone in a societycommon to These problems are common to all societies. Joe was chosen as captain by common consent (=with everyone’s agreement).6common knowledge something everyone knows: It is common knowledge that travel broadens the mind.7the common good the advantage of everyone: They work together for the common good.8common practice a usual or accepted way of doing things: It was common practice for families to attend church together.9ordinary [only before noun, no comparative] ordinary and not special in any way: common salt The 20th century was called the century of the common man (=ordinary people). He insists that he is a revolutionary, not a common criminal.10common courtesy/decency/politeness a polite way of behaving that you expect from people: It would be common courtesy to return their hospitality.11common or garden British English ordinary SYN garden-variety American English: a common or garden dispute12make/find common cause (with/against somebody) formal to join with other people or groups in order to achieve something: France and Russia made common cause against Britain.13common touch the ability of someone in a position of power or authority to talk to and understand ordinary people – used to show approval: He’s made it to the top without losing the common touch.14social class British English old-fashioned an offensive word used for describing someone from a low social classTHESAURUScommon if something is common, there are a lot of them: · Jones is a very common name in Great Britain.· Foxes are common in the area.· Personal computers are nearly as common in American homes as televisions.widespread happening in a lot of places or done by a lot of people: · Racism is much more widespread than people imagine.· The report claimed that the problem of police brutality was widespread.· the widespread availability of antibioticscommonplace [not before noun] especially written common in a particular place or time – used especially when saying that this seems surprising or unusual: · Crimes such as robbery are commonplace in big cities.· Expensive foreign cars are commonplace in this Chicago suburb.prevalent formal common in a place or among a group of people – used especially about illnesses, problems, or ideas: · Flu is most prevalent during the winter months.· Depression remains one of the most prevalent health disorders in the US.· This belief is more prevalent among men than women.rife /raɪf/ [not before noun] very common – used about illnesses or problems: · AIDS is rife in some parts of the world.ubiquitous /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/ formal very common and seen in many different places – often used humorously in written descriptions: · He was carrying the ubiquitous MP3 player.· In Britain, CCTV cameras are ubiquitous.something is everywhere especially spoken used when saying that you can see something a lot in many different places: · Images of the dictator were everywhere.· Microchips seem to be everywhere these days – even in washing machines.· One of the first things you notice in Amsterdam are the bicycles – they’re everywhere.common1 adjectivecommon2 noun
commoncommon2 ●●○ noun Longman Language Activatorwhen there are a lot of something
if something is common , there are a lot of them and they are not unusual: · Jones is a very common name in Great Britain.· Foxes are common in the area.· Personal computers are nearly as common in American homes as televisions.
to be extremely common and be seen in many different places: · Images of the dictator were everywhere.· Microchips seem to be everywhere these days -- even in washing machines.· One of the first things you notice in Beijing are the bicycles - they're everywhere.
things that are commonplace exist in large numbers so that they are not considered to be special or unusual even though in other places they may be much less common: · Superstores such as Wal-Mart are now commonplace in America's small towns.· Expensive foreign cars are commonplace in this Chicago suburb.
British /be a dime a dozen American informal to be very common in a particular area and therefore not be considered special or unusual: · Jobs like this are a dime a dozen.·
when something happens a lot happening often or in a lot of places: · It's a common mathematical error.· Petty theft and pickpocketing are becoming increasingly common in the city centre.· Many of the more common forms of cancer can be treated successfully if detected early.common among: · The condition is most common among women aged 18 to 24.it is common for something to happen/somebody to do something: · It's very common for older children to feel jealous after the birth of a baby.
happening in a lot of places or done by a lot of people: · Racism is much more widespread than people imagine.· The report claimed that the problem of police brutality was widespread.· Thanks to the widespread availability of antibiotics diseases such as typhoid have largely been eradicated.
happening very often, and therefore not considered to be special or unusual: · Nudism on beaches has long been commonplace in Europe.· Organ transplants are now commonplace.increasingly commonplace: · It used to be rare to see young people sleeping on the streets of London -- these days it's become increasingly commonplace.
if bad behaviour such as stealing or violence is rife in a particular area it happens very often there: · Political corruption was rife in those days.something is rife with something: · A place like Hollywood is always rife with gossip.· The schools are rife with drug abuse.
formal a problem, idea, or type of behaviour that is prevalent in one place, time, or group of people is common there: · Flu is most prevalent during the winter months.· Depression remains one of the most prevalent health disorders in the US.· This belief is more prevalent among men than women.
problems, behaviour, or situations that are pervasive are very common and are spreading to more and more people or areas so that they are impossible to prevent: · Violence and crime are pervasive features of city life.· She argues that sexual discrimination remains a pervasive element in corporate culture.all-pervasive (=extremely pervasive): · the all-pervasive influence of television
very different from something or someone else if two or more people or things have nothing in common , they do not have the same qualities, opinions, or interests: · Apart from the fact that we went to the same school, we have absolutely nothing in common.have nothing in common with: · Batavia was a completely new modern city, having very little in common with other Indonesian towns.
to be completely different from and not connected in any way with another person or thing: · Everyone complains that the national tests bear no relation to what children have learnt in class.· I was astonished when I read the press release, which bore no relation to what I had told them.
people, beliefs, or ideas that are worlds or poles apart are so completely different that there is almost nothing about them that is similar: · I don't know why Max took an interest in me. We were always worlds apart.worlds apart/poles apart from: · The children were on holiday, enjoying a lifestyle worlds apart from the one they had to put up with at home.
if a situation is a far cry from another situation or place, it is so different that it is almost the opposite: · We had dinner at the Ritz, a far cry from our usual hamburger and fries.· The first Olympic Games in 1896 were a far cry from the slick spectacle of today.
if you say there is a world of difference between two activities or situations, you mean that they are completely different from each other and people should not expect them to be the same: · There is a world of difference between home-made bread and the tasteless substance that many people buy today.
especially American, informal to be very different from what you have done or experienced before: · Being married is one thing, but having children is a whole new ball game.
British informal if two people who are related or good friends are like chalk and cheese , they are completely different in a way that surprises you: · It's hard to believe that they're brothers -- they're like chalk and cheese!
to have similar characters or interests if two people are two of a kind , they are very similar to each other in character or behaviour: · You're two of a kind, you and Doug - you can never be serious for even one minute!· They were two of a kind, both proud and stubborn, both hated by the community.
two or more people who have a lot in common share similar interests, attitudes, tastes etc: · We like the same things and the same people. I think we have a lot in common.· You two have so much in common. You should be able to find a way to talk about things without fighting.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY I found I had a lot in common with these people. four women with almost nothing in common The two games have much in common.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Lions and house cats evolved from a common ancestor (=the same ancestor). It’s a matter of common courtesy to acknowledge letters. Often parents and teenagers find they have little common ground (=they do not share the same attitudes etc). We must never forget our common humanity. There is a popular misconception that too much exercise is bad for you. Laughter was a rare occurrence in his classroom. Flooding in the area is a common occurrence. Rice formed the staple food of the common people. a common thread running within his work
I found I had a lot in common with these people. four women with almost nothing in common The two games have much in common. (=an aim that people, countries etc share)· We know the value of working closely together to pursue our common aims.
Lions and house cats evolved from a common ancestor (=the same ancestor).· There’s a common assumption that science is more difficult than other subjects.
(=that a lot of people believe)· There is a common belief that educational standards are declining.
(=one that people share)· They shared a common bond – a love of literature.
(=that countries share)· India and Pakistan each withdrew troops from their common border.
· Alcohol is the most common cause of road accidents.
(=that people or things share)· Successful firms tend to have common characteristics.
formal· There are hundreds of viruses that cause the common cold.
· Some people are brilliant thinkers, but they have no common sense.
· If something goes wrong, just use your common sense.
· The job doesn't require much training because it's based on common sense.
· His attitude shows no common sense at all.
· Common sense tells me that I should get more sleep.
· People don't always do what common sense suggests.
(=tells you something very clearly)· Common sense dictates that you should avoid handling wild animals.
(=is strong enough to make you do the sensible thing)· Eventually common sense prevailed and they reached an agreement.
(=not be sensible)· The proposed change in the law defies common sense.
(=very obviously sensible)· Locking your doors at night is simple common sense.
(=sensible and reliable)· These ideas contained much sound common sense.
· We need a common sense approach to caring for the environment.
· Ross took the common sense view that it would be better to stay at home.
(=something that requires no more than common sense)· Not driving too fast is just a matter of common sense.
· Leaving the child alone in the car showed a lack of common sense.
(=a very small amount)· Anyone with an ounce of common sense would have realised that was a silly thing to do.
· A common complaint of children is that parents do not listen to them.
(=one that many people share)· Rising food prices are a common concern.
· Depression is a very common condition.
It’s a matter of common courtesy to acknowledge letters. (=one that societies or people share)· Britain and America are united by a common culture.
(=the subjects that everyone must study because they are considered very important)· There has been a lot of debate on the content of the core curriculum.
(=standards of behaviour that are expected of everyone) The film was banned on the grounds of public decency.
The film was banned on the grounds of public decency.· Common sense dictates that you should avoid too much sun.
(=one that a lot of people have)· Deciding whether to put an elderly parent in a nursing home is a common dilemma.
· common childhood diseases
· Acne is a very common skin disorder.
(=one shared by groups of people)· We must work together against the common enemy.
· a common error which students often make when writing essays
· The death of a child was a common event in those days.
· 'Pig out' is a common expression meaning 'to eat a lot'.
· Pine trees are a common feature of the Swedish landscape.
(=an aim shared by more than one person or organization)· Iran and Turkey shared common goals in their handling of the refugee crisis.
(=gossip that everyone knows about)· Rumours about her affairs had become common gossip.
Often parents and teenagers find they have little common ground (=they do not share the same attitudes etc). We must never forget our common humanity. (=a language that more than one person or group speaks, so that they can understand each other)· Most of the countries of South America share a common language: Spanish.
(=laws that have come from customs and the decisions of judges)· In common law, if a house is rented out, it is expected that the house is safe to live in.
There is a popular misconception that too much exercise is bad for you.· A common mistake is to imagine that dogs think like humans.
(=that many people believe)· Contrary to popular myth, most road accidents are not the result of speeding.
(=one that people, countries etc share)· Our employees have a sense of common objectives and their commitment is high.
Laughter was a rare occurrence in his classroom. Flooding in the area is a common occurrence. (=a place or situation in which different things all started to exist)· It may be that all life on Earth has a common origin.
Rice formed the staple food of the common people.· Cloudy water is a common phenomenon in new aquariums.
· These plants are common in British gardens.
(=a sensible decision is made) He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed.
He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed. (=one that people share)· We were bound together by a common purpose.
· Here you will see most of the common species of African wildlife.
· Current evidence indicates that older people are more healthy than popular stereotypes suggest.
· By far the most common symptom of caffeine withdrawal is headache.
· Death and rebirth is a common theme in Eliot’s poetry.
a common thread running within his workPHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► have something in common (with somebody)► in common with somebody/somethingPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► have/make common cause (with/against somebody)► common-law marriage/husband/wife► as common as muck► next biggest/most common etc► in common parlance
1have something in common (with somebody) to have the same interests, attitudes etc as someone else: - All these companies have one thing in common: they deal in small, inexpensive consumer items.
- The smaller boats actually have more in common with sailboards than with the huge yachts usually seen in marinas.
- They produce trashy TV programs that appeal to the lowest common denominator.
- He was the mandatory of his people, the trustee of the general good.
- Surely that is to the general good.
- It is normal practice for the definitive sale and purchase agreement to be drafted by the acquirer's solicitors.
- It is normal practice for the heads to specify that each party will be responsible for the costs of its own advisers.
- It is normal practice for the purchaser to order a survey for two reasons.
- It is normal practice for the vendor to disclose various documents to the purchaser as part of the disclosure exercise.
- Motorcycles would be kept out by barriers at each end - this is normal practice for cycle/pedestrian paths.
- The first is the wide variation in specification and finish that are standard practice in the motor industry.
- This is standard practice, but such an event is unlikely.
- Whatever the circumstances, it is standard practice in embryo transfer to introduce several embryos at a time.
I found I had a lot in common with these people. four women with almost nothing in common2have something in common (with something) if objects or ideas have something in common, they share the same features: The two games have much in common.3in common with somebody/something in the same way as someone or something else: In common with a lot of other countries, we’re in an economic recession.4[countable] a large area of open land in a town or village that people walk or play sport on: Boston Common