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.

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commonly British  

/ ˈkɒmənlɪ /

adverb

1. usually; ordinarily

   he was commonly known as Joe

2. derogatory in a coarse or vulgar way

   she dresses commonly

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Etymology

Origin of commonly

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

Explanation

The adverb commonly is good for talking about something that usually or ordinarily happens. Mice, for example, are commonly afraid of cats. Commonly describes an action that's to be expected. You could say that the bus commonly picks you up fifteen minutes late, or that colds and flu are commonly passed around between kids at school. The earliest use of commonly, around 1300, was to mean "in a way common to all," from the adjective common, or "belonging to all." The Latin root communis means "in common, public, or shared by all or many."

Example Sentences

Tesla’s were the most commonly searched for vehicle among used EVs on the site, according to Cars.com data.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Swan then continues, “and it is tightly linked to chemicals that are commonly used in plastic.”

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

The researchers noted that other commonly recommended treatments, including FDA-approved IBS medications and antispasmodics, were not associated with an increased risk of death.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

These are most commonly claims for child support or alimony, federal and state tax obligations, government-related debts, and, in some jurisdictions, debts owed to victims of fraud.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Partner songs: groups of commonly known songs that can be paired or layered.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• frequently
• generally
• more often than not
• ordinarily
• regularly