commonly

commonly — adverb

1. in a way that is true or typical in most situations; something that happens or e

1.adverbC1
Definition

in a way that is true or typical in most situations; something that happens or exists more often than the alternatives across a broad range of people or cases.

Example

It is commonly believed that drinking eight glasses of water each day benefits health.

commonly + past participle in passive that-clause

Maya commonly takes the train to work instead of driving each morning.

commonly + present simple for habitual action

Common collocations
  • commonly believed
  • commonly used
  • commonly found
  • commonly known
  • commonly referred to as
  • commonly reported
  • commonly associated with
Synonyms
  • usually

    more personal and routine-focused; used for what someone typically does

  • generally

    broader scope with room for exceptions; less tied to frequency data

  • typically

    emphasises what is characteristic or expected in a given situation

  • ordinarily

    contrasts with special or exceptional circumstances

Antonyms
  • rarely

    opposite frequency — almost never happens

  • seldom

    more formal than rarely; very low frequency

Grammar Patterns

commonly + verb (present simple for habitual actions)

commonly + past participle (passive construction)

It is commonly + past participle + that-clause

commonly + adjective

Usage Note

Frequently appears in passive constructions (is commonly believed / found / known). Also used with present simple to describe typical behaviour across a general population. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 describes frequency or general tendency, not shared possession or collective use.

Common Mistakes

I commonly wake up at 6 AM.
I usually wake up at 6 AM.
'commonly' describes a general tendency across many people or cases; for personal daily routines, 'usually' is more natural.

2. by or among at least two parties jointly, rather than belonging to or done by on

2.adverb
Definition

by or among at least two parties jointly, rather than belonging to or done by one individual alone; involving collective possession, practice, or understanding.

Example

The rooftop garden is commonly owned by everyone in the apartment building.

commonly + owned for shared possession

These farming traditions are commonly practiced by families across the island.

Common collocations
  • commonly held
  • commonly owned
  • commonly shared
  • commonly agreed
  • commonly accepted
  • commonly understood
  • commonly practiced
Synonyms
  • jointly

    emphasises two or more parties acting together by arrangement

  • collectively

    focuses on a group as a whole rather than individuals

  • mutually

    stresses the reciprocal or shared nature between parties

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

commonly + past participle (held / owned / shared / agreed / accepted / understood / practiced)

Usage Note

Typically combines with past participles such as held, owned, shared, agreed, accepted, understood, or practiced. Rarely appears in everyday casual conversation — more common in formal, legal, or academic writing describing collective ownership, shared practices, or mutual understanding.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Commonly, usually, generally, typically, and ordinarily all describe what happens in most instances, but their emphases differ. Commonly highlights what is widespread or frequent across a population ('It is commonly believed that...'), whereas usually focuses on what is most typical for a specific situation or person ('She usually arrives at 9 AM'). Generally suggests a broad tendency that allows for exceptions ('Generally speaking, the plan works'). Typically emphasises what is characteristic or expected based on known patterns ('A typical response is...'). Ordinarily contrasts with a special or exceptional circumstance ('Ordinarily the office closes at 5 PM, but today it is open late'). Use commonly for broad observations across many people, usually for personal or situational routines, generally for cautious generalisations, and ordinarily when setting up a contrast with an unusual event.

usually ↗generally ↗typically ↗ordinarily

Common collocations

Nouns

  • commonly used method
  • commonly held belief
  • commonly reported symptom
  • commonly owned property

Phrases

  • it is commonly + past participle (It is commonly believed that...)
  • commonly + present simple (She commonly arrives early)

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Formed from the adjective 'common' plus the adverb-forming suffix '-ly'. 'Common' entered Middle English from Old French 'comun', which came from Latin 'commūnis' meaning 'shared by all' or 'general'. The Latin word combines 'com-' (together) and 'mūnis' (related to duties or services that are shared in a community).