Common vs. Commonplace — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
"Common" refers to things frequently found or widespread, while "commonplace" describes things ordinary or typical, lacking uniqueness.
Difference Between Common and Commonplace
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Common" describes something that is found frequently or widely shared among people or in places, suggesting prevalence. On the other hand, "commonplace" is used to describe something that is ordinary or typical, often implying a lack of distinction or originality.
In terms of usage, "common" can apply to shared traits or characteristics, like common interests or common practices in a community. Whereas, "commonplace" might refer to ideas, expressions, or items that are so familiar they have become trite or expected.
The word "common" often carries a neutral connotation, simply noting the widespread nature of whatever is being discussed. In contrast, "commonplace" can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting something is mundane or not worthy of special attention.
When discussing objects or occurrences, "common" might be used to emphasize the abundance of these elements, such as common birds in a region. However, "commonplace" could be used to discuss aspects of those birds that are unremarkable or expected, like commonplace colors.
In literature, "common" themes are those widely recognized and found across various works, contributing to a shared human experience. Conversely, "commonplace" themes might be seen as overused or lacking in depth, thus not contributing significantly to literary innovation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Frequently found or widely shared
Ordinary, typical, lacking uniqueness
Connotation
Neutral, indicating prevalence
Often slightly negative, indicating mundanity
Usage in Sentences
"They have a common ancestor."
"That idea is quite commonplace in literature."
Usage in Context
Shared traits, practices, or interests
Ideas, expressions, or items that are trite
Literary Usage
Themes widely recognized and prevalent
Themes overused and seen as lacking depth
Compare with Definitions
Common
Mutual; shared between people.
They parted ways but remained connected by a common interest in music.
Commonplace
Seen or heard often.
Such opinions are commonplace among experts.
Common
Belonging equally to or shared equally by two or more; joint
Common interests.
Commonplace
Typical of many.
Using clichés in writing is commonplace.
Common
Of or relating to the community as a whole; public
For the common good.
Commonplace
Lacking originality; predictable.
The plot twists in the movie were quite commonplace.
Common
Widespread; prevalent
Gas stations became common as the use of cars grew.
Commonplace
Ordinary, often overly familiar.
The decor of the room was commonplace and uninspiring.
Common
Occurring frequently or habitually; usual
It is common for movies to last 90 minutes or more.
Commonplace
Ordinary; common
A period when labor strikes were commonplace.
Common
Most widely known; ordinary
The common housefly.
Commonplace
Uninteresting; unremarkable
"his disappointment at finding his child so commonplace" (Jane Stevenson).
Common
Having no special designation, status, or rank
A common sailor.
Commonplace
A trite or obvious saying; a platitude
"the solidified commonplaces of established wisdom" (John Simon).
Common
Not distinguished by superior or noteworthy characteristics; average
The common spectator.
Commonplace
Something, especially an occurrence, that is ordinary or common
"These stories dealt only with the commonplaces of life" (Jack London).
Common
Of no special quality; standard
Common procedure.
Commonplace
(Archaic) A passage marked for reference or entered in a commonplace book.
Common
Of mediocre or inferior quality; second-rate
Common cloth.
Commonplace
Ordinary; not having any remarkable characteristics.
Common
Unrefined or coarse in manner; vulgar
Behavior that branded him as common.
Commonplace
A platitude or cliché.
Common
Either masculine or feminine in gender.
Commonplace
Something that is ordinary; something commonly done or occurring.
Common
Representing one or all of the members of a class; not designating a unique entity.
Commonplace
A memorandum; something to be frequently consulted or referred to.
Common
Commons The common people; commonalty.
Commonplace
A commonplace book.
Common
The social class composed of commoners.
Commonplace
To make a commonplace book.
Common
The parliamentary representatives of this class.
Commonplace
To enter in a commonplace book, or to reduce to general heads.
Common
Commons The House of Commons.
Commonplace
(obsolete) To utter commonplaces; to indulge in platitudes.
Common
A tract of land, usually in a centrally located spot, belonging to or used by a community as a whole
A band concert on the village common.
Commonplace
Common; ordinary; trite; as, a commonplace person, or observation.
Common
The legal right of a person to use the lands or waters of another, as for fishing.
Commonplace
An idea or expression wanting originality or interest; a trite or customary remark; a platitude.
Common
Commons(used with a sing. verb) A building or hall for dining, typically at a university or college.
Commonplace
A memorandum; something to be frequently consulted or referred to.
Whatever, in my reading, occurs concerning this our fellow creature, I do never fail to set it down by way of commonplace.
Common
Common stock.
Commonplace
To enter in a commonplace book, or to reduce to general heads.
Common
(Ecclesiastical) A service used for a particular class of festivals.
Commonplace
To utter commonplaces; to indulge in platitudes.
Common
Mutual; shared by more than one.
The two competitors have the common aim of winning the championship.
Winning the championship is an aim common to the two competitors.
Commonplace
A trite or obvious remark
Common
Occurring or happening regularly or frequently; usual.
It is common to find sharks off this coast.
Commonplace
Obvious and dull;
Trivial conversation
Commonplace prose
Common
Found in large numbers or in a large quantity; usual.
Commoner used to be commoner, but more common is now more common.
Sharks are common in these waters.
It differs from the common blackbird in the size of its beak.
Commonplace
Completely ordinary and unremarkable;
Air travel has now become commonplace
Commonplace everyday activities
Common
Simple, ordinary or vulgar.
Commonplace
Not challenging; dull and lacking excitement;
An unglamorous job greasing engines
Common
(grammar) Of, pertaining or belonging to the common gender.
Commonplace
Repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse;
Bromidic sermons
His remarks were trite and commonplace
Hackneyed phrases
A stock answer
Repeating threadbare jokes
Parroting some timeworn axiom
The trite metaphor `hard as nails'
Common
(grammar) Of or pertaining to common nouns as opposed to proper nouns.
Commonplace
Not unusual; not exceptional.
It’s commonplace to use smartphones for navigation.
Common
Vernacular, referring to the name of a kind of plant or animal, i.e., common name vs. scientific name.
Common
(obsolete) Profane; polluted.
Common
(obsolete) Given to lewd habits; prostitute.
Common
Mutual good, shared by more than one.
Common
A tract of land in common ownership; common land.
Common
The people; the community.
Common
(legal) The right of taking a profit in the land of another, in common either with the owner or with other persons; so called from the community of interest which arises between the claimant of the right and the owner of the soil, or between the claimants and other commoners entitled to the same right.
Common
(obsolete) To communicate (something).
Common
(obsolete) To converse, talk.
Common
(obsolete) To have sex.
Common
(obsolete) To participate.
Common
(obsolete) To have a joint right with others in common ground.
Common
(obsolete) To board together; to eat at a table in common.
Common
Belonging or relating equally, or similarly, to more than one; as, you and I have a common interest in the property.
Though life and sense be common to men and brutes.
Common
Belonging to or shared by, affecting or serving, all the members of a class, considered together; general; public; as, properties common to all plants; the common schools; the Book of Common Prayer.
Such actions as the common good requireth.
The common enemy of man.
Common
Often met with; usual; frequent; customary.
Grief more than common grief.
Common
Not distinguished or exceptional; inconspicuous; ordinary; plebeian; - often in a depreciatory sense.
The honest, heart-felt enjoyment of common life.
This fact was infamousAnd ill beseeming any common man,Much more a knight, a captain and a leader.
Above the vulgar flight of common souls.
Common
Profane; polluted.
What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
Common
Given to habits of lewdness; prostitute.
A dame who herself was common.
Common
The people; the community.
Common
An inclosed or uninclosed tract of ground for pleasure, for pasturage, etc., the use of which belongs to the public; or to a number of persons.
Common
The right of taking a profit in the land of another, in common either with the owner or with other persons; - so called from the community of interest which arises between the claimant of the right and the owner of the soil, or between the claimants and other commoners entitled to the same right.
Common
To converse together; to discourse; to confer.
Embassadors were sent upon both parts, and divers means of entreaty were commoned of.
Common
To participate.
Common
To have a joint right with others in common ground.
Common
To board together; to eat at a table in common.
Common
A piece of open land for recreational use in an urban area;
They went for a walk in the park
Common
Belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public;
For the common good
Common lands are set aside for use by all members of a community
Common
Of no special distinction or quality; widely known or commonly encountered; average or ordinary or usual;
The common man
A common sailor
The common cold
A common nuisance
Followed common procedure
It is common knowledge that she lives alone
The common housefly
A common brand of soap
Common
Common to or shared by two or more parties;
A common friend
The mutual interests of management and labor
Common
Commonly encountered;
A common (or familiar) complaint
The usual greeting
Common
Being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language;
Common parlance
A vernacular term
Vernacular speakers
The vulgar tongue of the masses
The technical and vulgar names for an animal species
Common
Of or associated with the great masses of people;
The common people in those days suffered greatly
Behavior that branded him as common
His square plebeian nose
A vulgar and objectionable person
The unwashed masses
Common
Of low or inferior quality or value;
Of what coarse metal ye are molded
Produced...the common cloths used by the poorer population
Common
Lacking refinement or cultivation or taste;
He had coarse manners but a first-rate mind
Behavior that branded him as common
An untutored and uncouth human being
An uncouth soldier--a real tough guy
Appealing to the vulgar taste for violence
The vulgar display of the newly rich
Common
To be expected; standard;
Common decency
Common
Frequently observed or typical in a group.
It is common to find sparrows in urban areas.
Common
Shared by many.
Common knowledge dictates that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
Common
Usual; not special.
It’s common for students to feel nervous before exams.
Common
Widespread; prevalent.
Smartphones are common in today’s society.
Common Curiosities
What are examples of common values in different cultures?
Respect for elders and hospitality are common values in many cultures.
What does "common" imply in social contexts?
In social contexts, "common" implies traits or behaviors shared by a large number of people.
Is "commonplace" a derogatory term?
While not strictly derogatory, "commonplace" can imply something is mundane or uninspired.
Can something be both common and not commonplace?
Yes, something can be common (widespread) without being commonplace (mundane).
Are common practices always beneficial for communities?
Not necessarily; while common, some practices may not be beneficial or could be outdated.
How do authors avoid using commonplace themes?
Authors can avoid commonplace themes by introducing unique perspectives or innovative plot elements.
Is it negative to describe someone’s ideas as commonplace?
Describing ideas as commonplace can suggest they are unoriginal or predictable, which might be seen negatively.
How does one differentiate between common and commonplace in writing?
"Common" is used to denote prevalence, while "commonplace" is used for things lacking uniqueness.
Can a common technology become commonplace?
Yes, as a technology becomes widespread and typical, it can transition from being merely common to being commonplace.
What makes a literary theme common?
A literary theme becomes common if it resonates widely and is explored frequently.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
