common sense
Featured
May 10, 2025
Common sense is practical judgment about everyday matters that most people possess without formal training. It's knowing that wet floors are slippery, that you shouldn't leave food out in hot weather, and that listening is better than interrupting.
The term assumes certain baseline knowledge is universal, though common sense varies by culture and experience. Philosophers debate whether it's truly innate or learned through observation.
The phrase “common sense” itself became popular in the 1500s but the concept has existed as long as human reasoning.
The term assumes certain baseline knowledge is universal, though common sense varies by culture and experience. Philosophers debate whether it's truly innate or learned through observation.
The phrase “common sense” itself became popular in the 1500s but the concept has existed as long as human reasoning.
Rate of Appearance in English Language Print
Google's Ngram project shows how often a pair of words has appeared in print every year since the 1800's.
Data from Google Books Ngram Viewer. Licensed under CC BY 3.0.
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