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

Example Sentences

Finding solid ground, not necessarily common ground, is the motivating mission of most space missions.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

"Hopefully they'll lay some common ground together and move forward."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

“We need to find common ground and work together,” Soto-Martínez said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

It’s reassuring to know that I can still find common ground with almost anyone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

It bodes ill for the future of East Asia if these two great peoples cannot find common ground.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond