# commonplace

/ˈkɑmənˌpɫeɪs/ (US) · /kˈɒmənplˌeɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commonplace
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. ordinary or common

adjective · CEFR B2

happening often or found everywhere, so it does not seem special or unusual.

For teachers: occurring frequently or found in many places; lacking distinctive or remarkable characteristics.

- Electric cars have become commonplace in many big cities over the last few years.
- While high-speed internet was once a luxury, it is now commonplace even in relatively remote rural communities.

Usage: Usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'become' or 'is'.

### 2. a common thing

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

something that is very usual or happens all the time.

For teachers: an ordinary or common thing, event, or occurrence.

- In this part of the world, heavy snow in April is a commonplace.
- The sight of drones delivering packages may soon be a commonplace of urban life.

Usage: Often used with the indefinite article 'a'.

### 3. a cliché

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

a remark or idea that is used so often that it is not interesting or original.

For teachers: a trite or obvious remark; a platitude or cliché.

- The politician's speech was full of commonplaces about hard work and family values.
- His essay was unfortunately marred by the inclusion of several tired commonplaces that failed to engage with the actual complexity of the subject.

## Examples

- It is a commonplace idea that exercise is good.
- The manager dismissed the suggestion as a commonplace complaint heard every week.
- What was once considered a radical theory has become a commonplace assumption in modern physics.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.