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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.
Synonyms

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.


common sense British  

noun

  1. plain ordinary good judgment; sound practical sense

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. inspired by or displaying sound practical sense

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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.


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.

Ruling earlier, Mr Justice Mould dismissed both bids, concluding the scheme would not "materially impact" the government's ability to meet net zero targets - a decision London Gatwick called a "victory for common sense".

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

Economist Paul Krugman explains in his newsletter that the shortfall is actually quite modest and easily accounted for — if the government exercises some common sense.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

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

It seems like common sense that volatile stocks do better over time as long as you can stomach the turbulence—no risk, no reward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

“I wish we could transplant some of your common sense to your brother.”

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

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