common sense
noun
sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.
Jump To:
-
common sense
-
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
common sense
British
noun
adjective
Common Sense
Cultural
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of common sense
1525–35; translation of Latin sēnsus commūnis, itself translation of Greek koinḕ aísthēsis
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
This is what sports have become in the replay era: overriding your own eyes and common sense in favor of digital forensics and wonky clarifications that arrive long after the stadium has cleared out.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026
Both of those companies would be stopped by common sense and consumer behavior, never mind government regulations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026
But the prime minister said he had applied "common sense" on the treatment of IPPs, which he had "long-standing concerns" about.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
"This process is very unusual -- it goes against every bit of common sense in the field," said Talapin.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026
It’s gotten so that it’s easier for me to lie than to tell the truth, because lying is all about common sense.
From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen
A 2025 study by Common Sense Media found nearly three in four American teenagers had used AI companions designed for personal conversations like those available on the platforms Character.AI,
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
They left behind more than 40 loaded cannons, provisions and “some of that scoundrel Common Sense man’s letters, which we can read at our leisure.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026
Common Sense Coalition is a project of the Bay Area Council, a local business group that features members such as the Western States Petroleum Assn.,
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 1, 2026
That is why Common Sense Media has long called for reforming the law to better protect our kids.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 27, 2026
After some consideration, I took out Common Sense, too, and stuck all of it in the pocket I wore under my skirt, alongside the false pass.
From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
