commonsense
UK: ˈkɒm.ən.sens | US: ˈkɑː.mən.sens
n. sound and prudent judgment based on ordinary experience and perception
adj. exhibiting or marked by such judgment
The word "commonsense" merges "common" (from Latin communis, meaning "shared by all") and "sense" (from Latin sensus, meaning "perception or understanding"). It emerged in the 16th century to describe practical wisdom accessible to everyone, contrasting specialized knowledge. The term reflects Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing rationality and collective human experience.
She relied on commonsense rather than complex theories to solve the problem.
His commonsense approach made him a trusted advisor.
The manual is written in plain language for commonsense understanding.
Lacking commonsense, he often made avoidable mistakes.
Policies should balance innovation with commonsense safety measures.