Words / C1

KOM-uh-nplays/ˈkɒmənpleɪs/

Commonplace means ordinary and unsurprising because it happens often: online classes are now commonplace. Common is everyday; ordinary is close; ubiquitous is stronger (everywhere). As a noun, a commonplace is a trite remark (rarer). In speech, normal now or nothing unusual is enough. It describes frequency and familiarity, not quality — a commonplace tool can still be excellent.

Meaning

Ordinary and not surprising because it happens often.

Examples

• “Online classes are now commonplace.”
• “Cameras in classrooms were rare a decade ago and are now commonplace.”
• “Treat the finding as noteworthy, not commonplace, until you have a comparison.”

Good to know

Ordinary because frequent. Everyday: common / nothing unusual. Stronger: ubiquitous. Noun (rarer): a trite remark.

Near in meaning

ordinary

New