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

Hantavirus is most commonly spread by inhaling particles contaminated with the virus — such as dried mouse urine, saliva or droppings.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Creatine monohydrate is the most widely studied and commonly used form of creatine supplement.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

While ID is commonly required for specific restaurant-related activities — such as purchasing alcohol or entering age-restricted venues — there is no general requirement to present identification simply to eat at a restaurant.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

These notes commonly mature in five years and can be called, or redeemed by the issuer, after one year if the price of the underlying asset is at or above its initial level.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

He was commonly called “Earth-shaker” and was always shown carrying his trident, a three-pronged spear, with which he would shake and shatter whatever he pleased.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

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