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Synonyms

commonly

American  
[kom-uhn-lee] / ˈkɒm ən li /

adverb

  1. often; frequently.

    commonly used words.

  2. usually; generally; ordinarily.

    Synonyms:
    routinely, customarily, normally
  3. in a common manner.


commonly British  
/ ˈkɒmənlɪ /

adverb

  1. usually; ordinarily

    he was commonly known as Joe

  2. derogatory in a coarse or vulgar way

    she dresses commonly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of commonly

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English communeli(che); equivalent to common + -ly

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.

Current polling averages show his chief rival, Péter Magyar of the Respect and Freedom Party, more commonly referred to as Tisza, with a healthy 15-point lead that has held for most of the past year.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Both portraits are commonly found in government agencies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Because of this, it is commonly used by people trying to lose weight, manage blood sugar, or reduce carbohydrate intake.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

The blending of multiple events in a space commonly nicknamed "America's front yard" allows the politically motivated and the less aware to "show up and start a conversation," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

There are two other kinds of minor scales that are commonly used, both of which include notes that are not in the key signature.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones