English

commonly

gb/kˈɑmənli/ us/kˈɑmənli/
B1 English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
adverb B1 property
1

frequently or usually

Happening often or in most situations.

Usage pattern: [something] is commonly [verb/participle]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'commonly' with 'comfortably' due to similar spelling, but they have very different meanings.
Synonyms
frequently (Similar meaning, but focuses more on the number of times something happens.) | usually (Similar meaning, but emphasizes what is normal or expected rather than frequency alone.)
Antonyms
rarely (Opposite in frequency; means not happening often.) | uncommonly (Direct opposite, meaning not usual or rare.)
Collocations
commonly used |commonly known |commonly found |commonly accepted |commonly referred to
Themes
daily life |communication |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • This plant is commonly found in tropical regions.
  • The term is commonly used in everyday conversation.
  • It is commonly believed that exercise improves mental health.
  • These mistakes are commonly made by beginners.
Learner examples
  • Cats are commonly kept as pets.
  • English is commonly spoken in many countries.
  • Rice is commonly eaten in Asia.
  • People commonly use phones to take pictures.
Grammar
Dictionary form
commonly
IPA
GB/kˈɑmənli/
US/kˈɑmənli/
Syllables & stress
com - monly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (com)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: commonly
  • Plural: commonlies
Word family
Forms
commonlies noun
Core family
common adjective A2
Related words
commonplace adjective B2
Negative and opposite forms
uncommon adjective B2 uncommonly adverb
Advanced or less common
commonality noun
Expressions

as is commonly the case

1
/ˈæz ˈɪz kˈɑmənli ðə kˈeɪs/
fixed phrase

happens as usual

Used to say something happens in the same way as it usually does.

Examples
  • As is commonly the case, the train was late again.
  • As is commonly the case, he forgot to bring his ID.

commonly known as

1
/kˈɑmənli nˈoʊn ˈæz/
fixed phrase

widely recognized name

Used to show the name most people use for something.

Examples
  • Leonardo da Vinci, commonly known as a genius of the Renaissance, was also an inventor.
  • The disease is commonly known as chickenpox.

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