commune

¹

[ verb kuh-myoon; noun kom-yoon ]

verb (used without object)

, com·muned, com·mun·ing.

1. to converse or talk together, usually with profound intensity, intimacy, etc.; interchange thoughts or feelings.
2. to be in intimate communication or rapport:

   to commune with nature.

noun

1. interchange of ideas or sentiments.

commune

²

[ kom-yoon ]

noun

1. a small group of persons living together, sharing possessions, work, income, etc., and often pursuing unconventional lifestyles.
2. a close-knit community of people who share common interests.
3. the smallest administrative division in France, Italy, Switzerland, etc., governed by a mayor assisted by a municipal council.
4. a similar division in some other country.
5. any community organized for the protection and promotion of local interests, and subordinate to the state.
6. the government or citizens of a commune.
7. people's commune.
8. the Commune. Also called Commune of Paris,
   1. a revolutionary committee that took the place of the municipality of Paris in the revolution of 1789, usurped the authority of the state, and was suppressed by the National Convention in 1794.
   2. a socialistic government of Paris from March 18 to May 27, 1871.

commune

³

[ kuh-myoon ]

verb (used without object)

, com·muned, com·mun·ing.

1. to partake of the Eucharist.

Commune

¹

/ ˈkɒmjuːn /

noun

1. See Paris Commune
   See Paris Commune
2. a committee that governed Paris during the French Revolution and played a leading role in the Reign of Terror: suppressed 1794

commune

²

verb

1. to talk or converse intimately
2. to experience strong emotion or spiritual feelings (for)

   to commune with nature

noun

1. intimate conversation; exchange of thoughts; communion

commune

³

/ ˈkɒmjuːn /

noun

1. a group of families or individuals living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities
2. any small group of people having common interests or responsibilities
3. the smallest administrative unit in Belgium, France, Italy, and Switzerland, governed by a mayor and council
4. the government or inhabitants of a commune
5. a medieval town enjoying a large degree of autonomy

commune

⁴

/ kəˈmjuːn /

verb

1. intr Christianity to partake of Communion

Other Words From

• com·muner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of commune¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English com(m)unen “to share, have in common, associate with, tell stories, communicate,” from Middle French com(m)uner, com(m)uniier “to make common, have in common, share,” derivative of comun common

Origin of commune²

First recorded in 1785–95; from French, from Medieval Latin commūna, commūnia (feminine singular), alteration of Latin commūne (neuter singular), or commūnia (neuter plural) “community, state,” originally neuter of commūnis common

Origin of commune³

First recorded in 1325–1375; Middle English; back formation from communion

Word History and Origins

Origin of commune¹

C13: from Old French comuner to hold in common, from comun common

Origin of commune²

C18: from French, from Medieval Latin commūnia, from Latin: things held in common, from commūnis common

Origin of commune³

C16: back formation from communion

Example Sentences

It can be just as revelatory for the casual weekend car-camper as it is for the committed section hiker, a chance to commune with nature just a bit more intimately.

From Outside Online

She calls for strong legal measures, such as conservation easements that prevent logging, but also recognizes the need to convey the emotional power of communing with nature.

From Science News

Even spending time with the tree in your front yard can offer what Milius describes as the emotional power of communing with nature.

From Science News

A morning excursion would be our family’s last chance together to commune with the humpbacks.

From Washington Post

Dearie acknowledged the toll the coronavirus pandemic has taken on panda lovers in the Washington region, who are unable to commune in person with the animals.

From Washington Post

Even if there were cows, they belonged to the commune and no one was allowed to slaughter them or consume them.

From The Daily Beast

“I grew up in a very special family, on a commune, and I loved it,” he says.

From The Daily Beast

Today's commune members strive to reconcile communal responsibility with individual ambitions and aspirations.

From The Daily Beast

What typifies the modern commune is the fact that it has learnt from earlier mistakes.

From The Daily Beast

“I went there to study F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hemingway, and I moved in next door to a commune of heroin addicts,” Lawford says.

From The Daily Beast

La harangue devoit finir en l'adieu et comploration commune de tous.

From Project Gutenberg

He also instituted primary schools in every commune, and started an cole Normale for the training of teachers.

From Project Gutenberg

Have you come to commune once more with the sweet gentle spirit before it passes away?

From Project Gutenberg

The head of a commune is the Administrator, and the corporation is known as the Municipal Chamber.

From Project Gutenberg

When the bell of the belfry shall sound to assemble the Commune, anyone who does not attend shall pay a fine of twelve sous.

From Project Gutenberg