common sense

American  

[kom-uhn sens] / ˈkɒm ən ˈsɛns /

noun

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

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common sense British  

noun

1. plain ordinary good judgment; sound practical sense

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adjective

1. inspired by or displaying sound practical sense

Common Sense Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of common sense

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

Example Sentences

There are dedicated recruitment staff at many clubs now but managers and chairmen still need a free week before any deadline, so please use some common sense and stop this madness!

From BBC

I have faith in our democratic institutions and the common sense of the American voter.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I'm a pragmatist, a British pragmatist, applying common sense," the prime minister told us on the plane, saying his desire was to "make Britain face outwards again."

From BBC

She considered, pride and common sense battling across her face.

From Literature

Although as the decades went by, with support for sustainability becoming mainstream, his views are seen as going from "crazy" to "common sense".

From BBC

Related Words

• acumen
• good sense
• insight
• intelligence
• judgment
• logic
• practicality
• prudence
• rationality
• sense
• sound judgment
• wisdom
• wit