Word
commonsense
Phoneticscom·mon·sense, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑmənˈsɛns/
UK/kˌɒmənsˈɛns/
Definition
adj. practical and sensible, based on everyday experience that most adults share. You use it to describe ideas that just make good sense in real life.
adj. practical and sensible, guided by everyday experience rather than specialist theory or formal rules. Typically describes judgments, solutions, or precautions that appear obvious to most reasonable people.
Examples
“She gives commonsense advice about saving money.”
“The landlord installs commonsense safety features like bright hallway lights and sturdy handrails.”
“The committee favoured a commonsense compromise that balanced cost, safety, and speed without requiring complex new regulations.”
Examples
simple
“She gives commonsense advice about saving money.”
contextual
“The landlord installs commonsense safety features like bright hallway lights and sturdy handrails.”
complex
“The committee favoured a commonsense compromise that balanced cost, safety, and speed without requiring complex new regulations.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “commonsense” in context.
Verb
01. commonsense to avoid
“It is commonsense to avoid walking alone late at night.”
adj + to-inf
02. commonsense to check
“It is commonsense to check the weather before you go hiking.”
adj + to-inf
03. consider commonsense
“Most parents would consider regular bedtimes commonsense for young children.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. entirely commonsense
“Her suggestion to save money first was entirely commonsense and easy to follow.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. commonsense advice
“Her commonsense advice helped me manage my money better.”
adj + noun
06. commonsense approach
“Taking short breaks is a commonsense approach to staying focused.”
adj + noun
07. commonsense decision
“They took a commonsense decision to leave early before the storm.”
adj + noun
08. commonsense precaution
“Wearing a helmet is a commonsense precaution for cyclists.”
adj + noun
09. commonsense solution
“Carrying a water bottle is a commonsense solution in hot weather.”
adj + noun
10. a perfectly commonsense idea
“Bringing snacks for the long trip was a perfectly commonsense idea.”
11. make a commonsense decision
“They made a commonsense decision to leave early in the storm.”
12. offer commonsense advice
“The nurse offered commonsense advice about getting enough sleep.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also used after linking verbs like 'be' and 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“A commonsense approach to child protection balances safety with knowledge of the specific child and parents involved.” “The government said the cap was not sustainable in the long-term and would be funded through “commonsense decisions to reduce spending” in other areas.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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