common

English

/ˈkɒmən/, /ˈkɑmən/, /ˈkɒmʌn/

adj
Definitions
  • Mutual; shared by more than one.
  • Occurring or happening regularly or frequently; usual.
  • Found in large numbers or in a large quantity; usual.
  • Simple, ordinary or vulgar.
  • (grammar) In some languages, particularly Germanic languages, of the gender originating from the coalescence of the masculine and feminine categories of nouns.
  • (grammar) Of or pertaining to common nouns as opposed to proper nouns.
  • Vernacular, referring to the name of a kind of plant or animal, i.e., common name vs. scientific name.
  • (obsolete) Profane; polluted.
  • (obsolete) Given to lewd habits; prostitute.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English comun derived from comun derived from Old French comun derived from Latin commūnis (common, public, general, universal, shared) derived from Proto-Indo-European *ḱom-moy-ni- (held in common).

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*ḱom-moy-ni-

Gloss

held in common

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms