common ground

noun

1. a foundation of common interest or comprehension, as in a social relationship or a discussion.

common ground

noun

1. an agreed basis, accepted by both or all parties, for identifying issues in an argument

Word History and Origins

Origin of common ground¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Idioms and Phrases

Shared beliefs or interests, a foundation for mutual understanding. For example, The European Union is struggling to find common ground for establishing a single currency. [1920s]

Example Sentences

Carney's office has billed Tuesday's meeting as a "working visit" focused on finding common ground on the economy and security, though no major breakthroughs are expected, White House officials told the BBC.

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The well-travelled James said the drag scene in Northern Ireland and the Republic have a lot of common ground, allowing the two to find a unique bond.

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“Labor and industry sat down together, worked through their differences, and found common ground,” Newsom said in a statement.

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However she has also expressed regret that she did not pause the Holyrood gender self-ID bill, in order to seek common ground between supporters and critics, when the issue became mired in "rancour and division".

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Alaska will offer them a meeting place; common ground at the negotiating table may be harder to find.

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