commons

[ˈkɑːmənz]

commons Definition

• 1. land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community
• 2. a public park or other area of land kept for recreational use by the community
• 3. a group of people who are not members of the clergy or the aristocracy (often used with reference to the House of Commons)

Using commons: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "commons" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The commons were used for grazing livestock.

• Example

  The village green is a type of commons.

• Example

  The House of Commons is one of the two houses of the UK Parliament.

• Example

  The tragedy of the commons is a concept in economics.

commons Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for commons

• park
• commonsense
• public land
• community property
• recreation area

Antonyms for commons

• private property
• individual ownership

Idioms Using commons

• in common with

  shared by (someone or something else)

  Example

  In common with many other cities, traffic is a major problem in London.

• make common cause with

  join forces with (someone) in order to achieve a common goal

  Example

  The two groups made common cause with each other to fight against the proposed development.

• hold something in common

  share a particular characteristic or feature

  Example

  All of these books hold in common a focus on environmental issues.

Phrases with commons

• the tragedy of the commons

  a situation where individuals, acting in their own self-interest, use up a shared resource, resulting in depletion or destruction of the resource

  Example

  The tragedy of the commons is often cited as an example of market failure.

• the House of Commons

  the lower house of the UK Parliament, consisting of elected members from constituencies throughout the country

  Example

  The Prime Minister faced tough questions from the opposition in the House of Commons today.

• commonsense

  good sense and sound judgment in practical matters

  Example

  It's just commonsense to wear a seatbelt when driving.

Origins of commons

from Old English 'gemǣne', meaning 'common, public'

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Summary: commons in Brief

The term 'commons' [ˈkɑːmənz] refers to land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community. It can also mean a public park or recreational area, or a group of people who are not members of the clergy or the aristocracy. Examples include 'The commons were used for grazing livestock.' and 'The House of Commons is one of the two houses of the UK Parliament.' Phrases like 'the tragedy of the commons' and 'commonsense' extend its usage.