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 Word Forms

• common-sense adjective
• commonsense adjective
• commonsensical adjective
• commonsensible adjective
• commonsensically adverb
• commonsensibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of Common Sense¹

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

Example Sentences

That speculation, which went around social media before Tuesday’s press conference, was pulled straight from someone’s nether regions who has neither access to accurate information nor common sense.

From Salon

"It seems to me that if common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution to end this conflict," Putin said.

From BBC

“I think it’s completely common sense and that it just really shouldn’t be done any other way,” Farren said.

From Los Angeles Times

In a written argument to the court, Tesla said the $243m award flew in the face of "common sense."

From BBC

“I’m not a dictator. I’m a man with great common sense and a smart person.”

From Salon

Related Words

• good sense www.thesaurus.com
• horse sense 
• intelligence 
• practicality 
• rationality 
• rule of thumb 
• sense 
• sound judgment www.thesaurus.com
• sound sense www.thesaurus.com
• wisdom 
• wit