communis
[kɔmˈmuː.nɪs]
The Latin word communis means common.
communis is used to describe things that are common, public or shared.
What does it mean word for word?
The word literally means common, shared or public. It is the root of English words such as 'community', 'commune' and 'communication'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, communis follows the third declension. This means the nominative singular forms are communis for masculine and feminine nouns, and commune for neuter nouns. The dative and ablative singular forms of the adjective are communi, which translates to 'to/for the common/shared thing'.
Did you know?
- The English word 'immunity' shares a linguistic ancestor with communis, but it functions as an opposite in meaning because it implies being 'exempt' from a common duty.
- In Roman law, the phrase res communis described things that belong to everyone by nature, such as the air and the sea, and could not be owned by any single person.
- While we use 'community' to describe people, the Latin root of communis is actually tied to the concept of 'duty' or 'service' through the word mūnus.
Examples in context
- Error est communis.The error is common.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a shared goal.
- LuciusHabemusne propositum commune?Do we have a common purpose?
- LuciaIta, Luci, idem volumus.Yes, Lucius, we want the same thing.
- LuciusTunc una laborabimus.Then we will work together.
- LuciaOptime, consentio.Great, I agree.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry communis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
