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.
There are always threads of truth in arguments like these — enough to make ageism sound like common sense.
From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026
Many, perhaps most, of those sympathetic toward astrology would probably describe their relationship with it as “recreational”: they take a little advice here and there, but not seriously, and always balancing it with common sense.
From Slate • May 5, 2026
In an interview with The Times, Kiley said his vote was about common sense and being humane.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026
The universities said they "strongly reject" that in-person, timetabled weekend teaching is classified as "distance learning", arguing it "defies common sense".
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
She said soy milk was more nutritious than cow milk and although he refused to drink the grainy fluid in the morning, he watched her do so with an uncomplaining common sense.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
