A word, to denote the lower orders and those of ‘common’ living standard, ideas or ambition, as would say those who created the divide of class we have in this country. But I thought of where it gets used in a practical sense, as that is where it seems awfully applicable sometimes as a useful word.

Common Sense – something we thought was prevalent in society, but alas, it really does seem as though sense is something that really isn’t very common after all in that context.

Common Ground – to find the middle ground and a starting or joining point for an idea or way forward. Lending it to something logical, or a compromise to whatever the point of issue that can be resolved somewhat or an agreement reached.

Common Enemy – where you learn to understand that certain differences are to be put aside to observe a common threat to your territory or way of life. If you have ever given thought to or read about wars and skirmishes, and the changing of borders, it is often you will find temporary alliances are formed to combat that common enemy at the time. Thereafter often those alliances fall away and are replaced by new conflicts, and without a bigger enemy, it seems people find ways to destablise themselves with smaller matters.

A Common – piece of land designated as common land, for grazing and walking and cannot be restricted they say. But as with much, it has changed because the areas of common land in the UK used to be bigger and gradually it has been changed, bordered, gated, fenced and no longer affords the rights it once did.

Common Law – “a system of laws based on customs and court decisions rather than on written laws made by a parliament.” Not really much I can add to that, we have seen of late how the law ‘works’ so it may be common in name, but not serve any of those that may think it is there for a lawful society.

Common Good – ideally where the people falling under the banner of that ‘good’ are the ones to decide it. Otherwise, it gets used as a weapon for an individual to enact a more personal or deviant agenda, as we well know.

Lowest Common Denominator – in mathematics, yes, but also as an insult. To insinuate someone is stupid it is said, or a particular audience may be of the ‘lowest common denominator’.

I find it interesting to give thought to words and their place in our understanding. How they came to be used as such, because they, like many things they are twisted and used for purpose. In education, communication, language, propaganda, psychology, and general thought. So it’s good to know how others might be using them, to make sure you are at least all reading from the same page…

(c) K Wicks