common ground

American  

noun

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

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common ground British  

noun

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

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common ground Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of common ground

First recorded in 1925–30

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

common ground

"The devolution programme that we're hearing from Andy Burnham is largely an England programme. What I want to do is find common ground with him."

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026

Democracy requires interactions, and if we cannot find a way to find common ground, that’s my big worry.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

“The justice often publicly portrayed as unyielding and inflexible is, behind the scenes, the conservative who is uniquely adept at finding common ground on the most divisive issues.”

From Salon ● Oct. 6, 2026

On Thursday, France's minister delegate for international trade, Nicolas Forissier, told AFP that countries have found common ground "on the fact that it's not acceptable to weaponize food and agriculture" in conflicts.

From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026

At my house, with my family, we found a common ground.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman

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