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 universities said they "strongly reject" that in-person, timetabled weekend teaching is classified as "distance learning", arguing it "defies common sense".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“Under this Court’s precedents, not to mention common sense, those circumstances taken together can constitute at least reasonable suspicion of illegal presence,” he said in a concurrence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

It goes against international law and common sense.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

There was a common core to it, which was: Use your common sense, man.

From Slate • Mar. 4, 2026

The events that unfolded as Europe careened toward catastrophe appeared to defy logic and common sense.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Related Words

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