Common vs. General — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
Common refers to something widespread or frequently encountered, while general denotes a broader, more inclusive concept or characteristic applicable to many cases.
Difference Between Common and General
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Common is used to describe something that occurs often or is shared by many, indicating a high degree of frequency or prevalence within a specific context. For example, a common cold is so named because many people experience it. General, on the other hand, suggests a broader, more encompassing idea, often used to describe principles, concepts, or characteristics that apply widely but may not specify the degree of frequency. For instance, general knowledge refers to information that is considered useful and applicable in a wide range of contexts but isn't necessarily specialized or detailed.
Common can imply a sense of ordinariness or lack of distinction due to its widespread nature, suggesting that the subject in question does not stand out. In contrast, general is more neutral, referring to an overall, broad view without necessarily implying frequency or commonality. General ideas or statements provide an overarching perspective but may lack the specific details that characterize more focused, specialized knowledge.
In usage, "common" often carries a connotation of shared use or experience among a group, as in common interests or common practices, indicating a collective aspect. "General," however, is used to abstract or summarize complex ideas into more digestible, universally applicable terms, as seen in general guidelines or general observations, which are intended to provide direction or insight without delving into specifics.
While commonality highlights what is frequent and possibly shared among many, generality abstracts and broadens the perspective to encompass a wider range of instances or applications without the implication of frequency. This distinction is important in various fields, from science, where common phenomena are distinguished from general laws, to everyday language, where the nuances between common sense and general understanding illustrate the difference in application and scope.
In sum, while both "common" and "general" deal with the idea of prevalence and applicability, "common" emphasizes frequency and shared characteristics among specific items or situations, and "general" refers to a broader, more inclusive concept that provides a foundational or overarching perspective without specifying frequency or detailed specifics.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Frequently encountered or widely shared
Broad or widespread, not specific or detailed
Connotation
Ordinariness, prevalence in a specific context
Broad applicability, overarching concepts
Usage Context
Shared characteristics or experiences
Broad principles or ideas
Implication
Frequency, shared among many
Inclusive, overarching perspective
Example Usage
Common cold, common interests
General knowledge, general guidelines
Compare with Definitions
Common
Often found or widely shared.
It's common to see smartphones everywhere today.
General
Broad in scope or application.
She had a general idea of what to expect.
Common
Shared among a group.
They had a common goal of promoting environmental awareness.
General
Applicable to many cases.
General admission tickets allow entry to most areas.
Common
Lacking in special distinction.
The bird is quite common in this region.
General
Not detailed, encompassing an overall view.
The general guidelines were provided in the manual.
Common
Widely accepted or used.
It's common practice to shake hands when meeting someone.
General
Concerning the majority.
In general, the feedback was favorable.
Common
Frequently occurring.
Rain is common in the tropics.
General
Relating to the main or overall characteristics.
The general mood of the meeting was positive.
Common
Belonging equally to or shared equally by two or more; joint
Common interests.
General
Affecting or concerning all or most people or things; widespread
Books of general interest
The general opinion was that prices would fall
Common
Of or relating to the community as a whole; public
For the common good.
General
Considering or including only the main features or elements of something; not exact or detailed
The arrangements were outlined in very general terms
A general introduction to the subject
Common
Widespread; prevalent
Gas stations became common as the use of cars grew.
General
Chief or principal
The general manager
The Director General of the BBC
Common
Occurring frequently or habitually; usual
It is common for movies to last 90 minutes or more.
General
A commander of an army, or an army officer of very high rank.
Common
Most widely known; ordinary
The common housefly.
General
The general public.
Common
Having no special designation, status, or rank
A common sailor.
General
Concerned with, applicable to, or affecting the whole or every member of a class or category
"subduing all her impressions as a woman, to something more general" (Virginia Woolf).
Common
Not distinguished by superior or noteworthy characteristics; average
The common spectator.
General
Affecting or characteristic of the majority of those involved; prevalent
General discontent.
Common
Of no special quality; standard
Common procedure.
General
Of or affecting the entire body
General paralysis.
Common
Of mediocre or inferior quality; second-rate
Common cloth.
General
Being usually the case; true or applicable in most instances but not all
The general correctness of her decisions.
Common
Unrefined or coarse in manner; vulgar
Behavior that branded him as common.
General
Not limited in scope, area, or application
As a general rule.
Common
Either masculine or feminine in gender.
General
Not limited to or dealing with one class of things; diversified
General studies.
Common
Representing one or all of the members of a class; not designating a unique entity.
General
Involving only the main features rather than precise details
A general grasp of the subject.
Common
Commons The common people; commonalty.
General
Highest or superior in rank
The general manager.
Common
The social class composed of commoners.
General
A commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above lieutenant general.
Common
The parliamentary representatives of this class.
General
One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
Common
Commons The House of Commons.
General
A general officer.
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.
General
A statement, principle, or fact that embraces or is applicable to the whole.
Common
The legal right of a person to use the lands or waters of another, as for fishing.
General
General anesthesia.
Common
Commons(used with a sing. verb) A building or hall for dining, typically at a university or college.
General
(Archaic) The public.
Common
Common stock.
General
Including or involving every part or member of a given or implied entity, whole etc.; as opposed to specific or particular.
Common
(Ecclesiastical) A service used for a particular class of festivals.
General
Applied to a person (as a postmodifier or a normal preceding adjective) to indicate supreme rank, in civil or military titles, and later in other terms; pre-eminent.
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.
General
Prevalent or widespread among a given class or area; common, usual.
Common
Occurring or happening regularly or frequently; usual.
It is common to find sharks off this coast.
General
Not limited in use or application; applicable to the whole or every member of a class or category.
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.
General
Giving or consisting of only the most important aspects of something, ignoring minor details; indefinite.
Common
Simple, ordinary or vulgar.
General
Not limited to a specific class; miscellaneous, concerned with all branches of a given subject or area.
Common
(grammar) Of, pertaining or belonging to the common gender.
General
A general fact or proposition; a generality.
We have dealt with the generals; now let us turn to the particulars.
Common
(grammar) Of or pertaining to common nouns as opposed to proper nouns.
General
(military ranks) The holder of a senior military title, originally designating the commander of an army and now a specific rank falling under field marshal (in the British army) and below general of the army or general of the air force in the US army and air forces.
Common
Vernacular, referring to the name of a kind of plant or animal, i.e., common name vs. scientific name.
General
A great strategist or tactician.
Hannibal was one of the greatest generals of the ancient world.
Common
(obsolete) Profane; polluted.
General
(Christianity) The head of certain religious orders, especially Dominicans or Jesuits.
Common
(obsolete) Given to lewd habits; prostitute.
General
(nautical) A commander of naval forces; an admiral.
Common
Mutual good, shared by more than one.
General
A general servant; a maid with no specific duties.
Common
A tract of land in common ownership; common land.
General
(countable) A general anesthetic.
Common
The people; the community.
General
(uncountable) General anesthesia.
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.
General
The general insurance industry.
I work in general.
Common
(obsolete) To communicate (something).
General
(xiangqi) A xiangqi piece, that is moved one point orthogonally and confined within the palace.
Common
(obsolete) To converse, talk.
General
To lead (soldiers) as a general.
Common
(obsolete) To participate.
General
(obsolete) In a general or collective manner or sense; in most cases; upon the whole.
Common
(obsolete) To have a joint right with others in common ground.
General
Relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy.
Common
(obsolete) To board together; to eat at a table in common.
General
Comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; including all particulars; as, a general inference or conclusion.
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.
General
Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.
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.
General
Common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive, though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom.
This general applause and cheerful shoutArgue your wisdom and your love to Richard.
Common
Often met with; usual; frequent; customary.
Grief more than common grief.
General
Having a relation to all; common to the whole; as, Adam, our general sire.
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.
General
As a whole; in gross; for the most part.
His general behavior vain, ridiculous.
Common
Profane; polluted.
What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
General
Usual; common, on most occasions; as, his general habit or method.
Common
Given to habits of lewdness; prostitute.
A dame who herself was common.
General
The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; - opposed to particular.
In particulars our knowledge begins, and so spreads itself by degrees to generals.
Common
The people; the community.
General
One of the chief military officers of a government or country; the commander of an army, of a body of men not less than a brigade. In European armies, the highest military rank next below field marshal.
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.
General
The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.
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.
General
The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule.
Common
To converse together; to discourse; to confer.
Embassadors were sent upon both parts, and divers means of entreaty were commoned of.
General
The public; the people; the vulgar.
Common
To participate.
General
A general officer of the highest rank
Common
To have a joint right with others in common ground.
General
The head of a religious order or congregation
Common
To board together; to eat at a table in common.
General
A fact about the whole (as opposed to particular);
He discussed the general but neglected the particular
He always reasons from the particular to the general
Common
A piece of open land for recreational use in an urban area;
They went for a walk in the park
General
Command as a general;
We are generaled by an incompetent!
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
General
Applying to all or most members of a category or group;
The general public
General assistance
A general rule
In general terms
Comprehensible to the general reader
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
General
Not specialized or limited to one class of things;
General studies
General knowledge
Common
Common to or shared by two or more parties;
A common friend
The mutual interests of management and labor
General
Of national scope;
A general election
Common
Commonly encountered;
A common (or familiar) complaint
The usual greeting
General
Prevailing among and common to the general public;
The general discontent
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
General
Affecting the entire body;
A general anesthetic
General symptoms
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
General
Somewhat indefinite;
Bearing a general resemblance to the original
A general description of the merchandise
Common
Of low or inferior quality or value;
Of what coarse metal ye are molded
Produced...the common cloths used by the poorer population
General
Of worldwide scope or applicability;
An issue of cosmopolitan import
The shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time
Universal experience
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 Curiosities
How do "general" statements contribute to understanding?
General statements provide a broad overview, helping to simplify complex ideas and making them accessible and applicable to a wider audience.
How do "common goals" differ from "general objectives"?
Common goals are shared aims among a specific group, while general objectives are broader targets that may not be as specific or detailed.
Is "common" always associated with ordinariness?
While "common" often implies something ordinary or prevalent, it can also simply denote frequency or widespread occurrence without a negative connotation.
Is it possible for an idea to be both common and general?
An idea can be both common (widely accepted or used) and general (broad in scope) if it is widely applicable and broadly accepted across different contexts.
Can something be common but not general?
Yes, something can be common within a specific context or group but not generally applicable outside that context.
Can a "general trend" be identified through "common occurrences"?
Common occurrences can indicate a general trend if they are widespread and consistent enough to suggest an overarching pattern or direction.
Can general principles be applied to specific cases?
General principles provide a broad framework that can guide understanding or action in specific cases, though they may need adaptation to fit particular details.
How does "common knowledge" differ from "general knowledge"?
Common knowledge is information widely known within a certain community, while general knowledge refers to information that is useful and applicable across various contexts, not necessarily widely known.
Why might someone prefer general advice to specific?
General advice can be more adaptable and applicable in a variety of situations, allowing individuals to tailor it to their specific circumstances.
How does the perception of what is "common" change over time?
What is considered common can change due to cultural shifts, technological advancements, and changes in societal norms and values, reflecting the dynamic nature of social consensus.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
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.
