common sense

[ kom-uhn sens ]

noun

1. sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.

common sense

noun

1. plain ordinary good judgment; sound practical sense

adjective

1. inspired by or displaying sound practical sense

Common Sense

1. (1776) A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that called for the United States to declare independence from Britain immediately. Written in a brisk and pungent style, Common Sense had a tremendous impact and helped to persuade many Americans that they could successfully wage a war for their independence.

Other Words From

• com·mon-sense com·mon·sense adjective
• com·mon·sen·si·cal com·mon·sen·si·ble adjective
• com·mon·sen·si·cal·ly com·mon·sen·si·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of common sense¹

1525–35; translation of Latin sēnsus commūnis, itself translation of Greek koinḕ aísthēsis

Example Sentences

This seems like common sense — but the scientific understanding we have today doesn’t support this idea.

From Salon

“They want change, and just common sense,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Kim said in a statement Thursday night that she plans to “be an independent voice, bring common sense to Washington, and through bipartisanship, deliver results.”

From Los Angeles Times

"It is just a bit of common sense."

From BBC

Harris, one of the most cautious and disciplined politicians in her party, defined herself in her stump speech as someone who would be “grounded in common sense and practical outcomes.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• good sense
• horse sense
• intelligence
• practicality
• rationality
• rule of thumb
• sense
• sound judgment
• sound sense
• wisdom
• wit