common sense
noun
sound 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
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:
Daniel Shelton attended an early August campaign rally in Houston and said he admired Paxton’s common sense.
From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026
"The best advice I can give is good common sense," she adds.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
The whole history of America, as well as common sense, suggests otherwise.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026
Once that axiom is treated as constitutional common sense, public safety appears already on the side of the enforcement vehicle.
From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026
Einstein’s prohibition against traveling faster than light may clash with our common sense.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
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
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
At Common Sense Media, we have long warned that the issue is not the material users post but the very design of tech companies’ platforms.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 27, 2026
Paul Sullivan, national vice chair of Veterans for Common Sense, says the right strategy centers on trust between veterans and the VA.
From Salon ● Mar. 14, 2026
I pulled out Common Sense from its hiding place and read by firelight.
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.
