1525–35; translation of Latin sēnsus commūnis, itself translation of Greek koinḕ aísthēsis
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Edwards said "common sense would say chuck it in the bin" rather than deliver it after 19 years.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 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
Yet Mr. Trump makes a distinction between conservatism and common sense.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
By now Big Ma had worn herself out scolding me in the names of our family and my lack of good common sense.
From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia
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.
