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• common sense
  common sense

  noun

  sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.
• Common Sense
  Common Sense

  (1776) A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that called for the United States to declare independence from Britain immediately. Written in a brisk and pungent style, Common Sense had a tremendous impact and helped to persuade many Americans that they could successfully wage a war for their independence.

common sense

American  

[kom-uhn sens] / ˈkɒm ən ˈsɛns /

noun

1. sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.

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common sense British  

noun

1. plain ordinary good judgment; sound practical sense

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adjective

1. inspired by or displaying sound practical sense

Common Sense Cultural  

1. (1776) A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that called for the United States to declare independence from Britain immediately. Written in a brisk and pungent style, Common Sense had a tremendous impact and helped to persuade many Americans that they could successfully wage a war for their independence.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• commonsensible
  adjective
• commonsensical
  adjective
• commonsensically
  adverb
• commonsensibly
  adverb
• common-sense
  adjective
• commonsense
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of common sense

1525–35; translation of Latin sēnsus commūnis, itself translation of Greek koinḕ aísthēsis

Example Sentences

Edwards said "common sense would say chuck it in the bin" rather than deliver it after 19 years.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Pretty basic stuff, and statements in line with the values and common sense of the majority of Californians Hilton says he will represent.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Yet Mr. Trump makes a distinction between conservatism and common sense.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

"It's time to use common sense and for a ceasefire. People are suffering on both sides," she said of the Ukraine war.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

People had a curious way of double-talking around things, saying the opposite of what common sense would dictate.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• acumen
• good sense
• insight
• intelligence
• judgment
• logic
• practicality
• prudence
• rationality
• sense
• sound judgment
• wisdom
• wit