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common touch

American  

noun

  1. the ability to communicate with, appeal to, or inspire ordinary people.


Etymology

Origin of common touch

First recorded in 1940–45

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:

On “Be My Guest with Ina Garten,” the Barefoot Contessa shares her cutting board with A-list celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Tina Fey, which is a bit light on utility and the common touch.

From Salon Jan. 30, 2026

It also spurred a raft of criticism of Abdullah, with many contrasting the popularity of Hamzah and his common touch — especially among Jordan’s all-important tribes — with the aloofness of the king.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 1, 2023

Mr Erdogan entered the contest with many advantages: his street smarts, his common touch, and his control of 90% of the media here.

From BBC May 28, 2023

A personable pragmatist with a populist’s common touch, he knows he needs a broad base if not to win, then to govern, and so has courted orphaned centrists and onetime adversaries.

From Washington Post Oct. 3, 2022

If you’re tempted to use it to show that you have the common touch, make clear that you know better: Now, ain’t that a shame!

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

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