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common sense
common sensenounsound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.
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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
Americannoun
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived 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.
"Since it has become impossible to celebrate a match without descending into riots, the only common sense response is a new doctrine: 'zero gatherings'," it demanded.
From Barron's • May 31, 2026
That’s what the text supports, it’s what common sense supports, and it’s what gives regulated parties a fighting chance of knowing when they’re subject to federal mine safety law.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
There are always threads of truth in arguments like these — enough to make ageism sound like common sense.
From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026
Thomas promised Reform would "unite Wales around our common sense policies and the principle of putting you, the people at home, first".
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
Jim was playing not to individual egos but to a common sense of humanity, purpose, and urgency.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
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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.