common sense

[kom-uhn sens]

noun

1. sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.

common sense

noun

1. plain ordinary good judgment; sound practical sense

adjective

1. inspired by or displaying sound practical sense

Common Sense

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

• common-sense adjective
• commonsense adjective
• commonsensical adjective
• commonsensible adjective
• commonsensically adverb
• commonsensibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of common sense¹

1525–35; translation of Latin sēnsus commūnis, itself translation of Greek koinḕ aísthēsis

Example Sentences

Zohran Mamdani’s vision for New York isn’t heavy on law and order or common sense, so it’s a relief that the city will still have a police chief who believes in both.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Ms Cociani described the decision as "a great day for justice and common sense".

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I can see the denial going to war with Tano’s common sense.

Read more on Literature

“Arboricultural industry standards, best practices and common sense call for the area surrounding a dangerous tree to be blocked off if the tree poses a threat of harming people,” states the claim.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"The idea that money from shows in big venues supports the smaller venues, where it all starts for musicians like me, is just common sense," Fender has said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• good sense www.thesaurus.com
• horse sense 
• intelligence 
• practicality 
• rationality 
• rule of thumb 
• sense 
• sound judgment www.thesaurus.com
• sound sense www.thesaurus.com
• wisdom 
• wit