# commonsense

/ˌkɑmənˈsɛns/ (US) · /kˌɒmənsˈɛns/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commonsense
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

sensible, practical, reasonable, sound

## Antonyms

foolish, silly, unreasonable, impractical

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also used after linking verbs like 'be' and 'seem'.

---

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.