English Reference
adverb

commonly

adv.
US /ˈkɑmənɫi/ UK /kˈɒmənli/ com·mon·ly

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    often or in most situations.

    frequently or usually; indicates a high frequency or a standard state of affairs.

    Simple

    This type of bird is commonly seen in gardens during the summer.

    In context

    It is commonly assumed that the project will be completed by the end of the fiscal year, though no official announcement has been made.

    Usage

    Typically placed before the main verb or an adjective.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    by most people or in a way that many people share.

    in a manner that is shared by the public or a specific group; often used to describe shared beliefs or names.

    Simple

    The plant is commonly known as 'mother-in-law's tongue'.

    In context

    The condition was commonly misdiagnosed as a simple allergy before more advanced testing became available to the general public.

    Usage

    Often used with passive verbs like 'known', 'called', or 'believed'.

Usage commonly used · commonly accept · commonly associate

It turns out that the one that works best—Direct Reduced Grade Taconite—is one of the most commonly used grades available in Minnesota.

Phys.org· 15 Aug 2026

When in-person visits are offered, they most commonly are noncontact, an arrangement that is easier for jails to manage .

The Conversation· 10 Aug 2026

Inherited from Middle English comunly; equivalent to common + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English comunly
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated