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

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

Etymology

Origin of common sense

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

Example Sentences

The POA welcomed the new exemption, calling it a victory for "common sense".

From BBC

He called the change a "victory of common sense", through environmental groups criticised it as a step backward for the industry and public health.

From BBC

I approach it a little bit like that — common sense.

From Los Angeles Times

Baroness Falkner previously described the Supreme Court judgement as a victory for common sense.

From BBC

The idea would be to avoid wonky decisions and let common sense prevail.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• good sense
• horse sense
• intelligence
• practicality
• rationality
• rule of thumb
• sense
• sound judgment
• sound sense
• wisdom
• wit