common

com|mon1 [ `kamən ] adjective ***

▸ 1 frequent/frequently

▸ 2 used/done etc by group

▸ 3 ordinary

▸ 4 reaching usual standard

▸ 5 of low social class

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) happening frequently or existing in large amounts or numbers:

Mergers and takeovers have become increasingly common in recent years.

The most common criticism was that he was always late.

a common occurrence: Today smog is a common occurrence in many major cities.

it is common for someone/something to do something: It was common for children to play in the street.

a ) only before noun used in the names of birds and animals that are more common than related birds and animals

2. ) used, done, or shared by two or more people:

Member states also agreed to pursue a common trade policy.

a group of people descended from a common ancestor

common language: She was Swiss and I am from Vietnam, so French was our common language.

common to: questions and issues that are common to all our clients

3. ) only before noun ordinary, with no special status or rank:

a common soldier/criminal

the common man: This is true both for the philosopher and the common man.

the common people: In the fifteenth century the common people could neither read nor write.

4. ) reaching the standard that you normally expect from most ordinary people:

common courtesy: It would only be common courtesy to return their hospitality.

common decency: Why didn't you have the common decency to inform your uncle of where you were going?

5. ) MAINLY BRITISH OLD-FASHIONED an insulting way of describing someone from a low social class:

He's such a common little man.

a ) MAINLY BRITISH used about people's behavior or appearance:

Her language was indescribably common.

by common consent

with the agreement of everyone involved:

It was, by common consent, our finest performance.

the common good

the benefit of everyone

common practice

something that is done a lot and is considered normal:

It is common practice to offer guests some refreshment.

find/make common cause with someone

to work together with someone you would normally oppose in order to achieve something

common

com|mon 2 [ `kamən ] noun count

a large piece of open land in a town or city where anyone can walk, play sports, etc.:

They went for a walk on the common.

Boston Common

have something in common (with someone)

to have the same interests or opinions as someone else:

We have such a lot in common.

I don't think they have much in common with their neighbors.

have something in common (with something)

to have the same features as something else:

This area obviously has much in common with other inner-city areas.

in common with

in the same way as someone or something else:

Today the City Council, in common with the Mayor's Office, denounced the actions of the protesters.

=> HOUSE OF COMMONS