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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

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

Pratt has taken on those criticisms, saying in a recent interview: "I may not have the experience, but I have the common sense to say this is not working."

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

That’s what the text supports, it’s what common sense supports, and it’s what gives regulated parties a fighting chance of knowing when they’re subject to federal mine safety law.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

"Neither my conscience nor common sense will allow me to stop an election that has already begun," Republican state Senator Richard Cash said in a statement carried by US media.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

She was strong, willing, undemanding; and she had enough common sense to do what she was bid and ask no questions.

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman

Related Words

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