commonplace

/ˈkɒmənpleɪs/
adjectiveIntermediate ordinary or unremarkable
informal

Ordinary, typical, or unremarkable due to frequent occurrence.

In many cities, electric scooters have become a commonplace sight.

Electric scooters are now ordinary and frequently seen in many cities.

His success story is no longer commonplace; it's quite extraordinary.

His success is no longer ordinary; it's unusual and impressive.

💡

Often used to describe things that are no longer special because they are so frequently encountered.

Collocations

commonplace occurrencesomething that happens often and is not specialcommonplace eventan event that is ordinary and not unusual

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'commonplace' to describe something that is no longer special because it is so ordinary.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'comen' (common) + 'place' (location), originally referring to a place where people commonly gathered.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both positively (to describe something widely accepted) or negatively (to imply something is uninteresting or dull).

Word Breakdown

common
ordinary or widely shared
root
+
place
location or situation
root
English Dictionary