most common meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most common meaning" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, consider the sentence, "The word 'beauty' has many definitions, but its most common meaning is 'the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I prefer a dictionary that gives the most common meaning first, then lists the others, with the least common last.

The New York Times - Magazine

Psycholinguists have shown that when we hear a noun at the beginning of a sentence we tend to associate the word with its most common meaning.

The New Yorker

This is perhaps the most common meaning associated with the word community.

SEP

The first, and probably the most common meaning, is simply the use of a commercial service delivered over the Internet, in real time, from storage to Web applications.

Virtualization and Forensics A Digital Forensic Investigator's Guide to Virtual Environments

For instance, the most common meaning of "house" in Wikipedia is "House Music", which is different from the meaning "United States House of Representatives" in the example document.

Data Science and Engineering

The most common meaning of the term 'antisense transcript' refers to a protein coding sense transcript and a fully processed (capped, polyadenylated) antisense RNA with complementarity in exonic regions.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The most common meanings associated with urban natural settings dominated by trees are social interaction and integration.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

While these words do have some archaic usages, such as loose being used as a verb ("he loosed an arrow"), focus on the most common meanings of these words.

WikiHow

This was her most common name, meaning plants she'd removed from the Calvin Coolidge homestead.

The New York Times

This can be explained by the consistently large TC values (less than 0.2% of TC values were <30 cases) and the fact that malaria is the most common diagnosis, meaning that MC values were generally a substantial proportion of TC.

Computers and Geosciences

But let's start with the most common: the contemporary meaning - the definition that springs most readily to mind when you hear the word.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the multiple interpretations of a word or concept, start by clarifying the "most common meaning" to provide a foundational understanding before delving into less frequent or nuanced usages.

Common error

Be cautious of assuming the "most common meaning" remains constant. Language evolves; therefore, ensure your understanding aligns with current usage, not outdated or obsolete definitions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most common meaning" functions as a noun phrase, where 'most common' is an adjective modifying the noun 'meaning'. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in specifying the primary or prevailing interpretation of a word or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

24%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most common meaning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to pinpoint the primary interpretation of a word or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and widespread applicability. It is prevalent across diverse fields like science, news, and general knowledge. When writing, using "most common meaning" helps avoid ambiguity by setting a clear foundation before exploring other possible interpretations. While generally neutral in tone, it often appears in more formal contexts due to its emphasis on precision. Be mindful of linguistic evolution; ensure the identified "most common meaning" aligns with current usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary meaning

Focuses on the main or principal meaning, implying a single dominant interpretation.

predominant sense

Highlights the prevailing or dominant understanding of a term.

usual interpretation

Emphasizes the customary or typical way a word or phrase is understood.

conventional meaning

Refers to the meaning that is widely accepted and followed by convention.

standard definition

Indicates the officially recognized or textbook definition of a term.

typical connotation

Focuses on the implied or suggested meaning most commonly associated with a word.

accepted definition

Indicates the meaning that is generally agreed upon and used.

general understanding

Highlights a broad, non-technical comprehension of a term.

prevailing interpretation

Stresses the interpretation that is currently most widespread or influential.

popular meaning

Refers to the meaning most understood by the general public.

FAQs

How can I use "most common meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "most common meaning" to clarify the primary interpretation of a word or phrase. For example, "While the word 'agile' has several technical applications, its "most common meaning" refers to the ability to move quickly and easily".

What are some alternatives to "most common meaning"?

Alternatives include "primary meaning", "predominant sense", or "usual interpretation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it necessary to specify "most common meaning" when a word has only one definition?

While not always necessary, specifying the "most common meaning" can still be useful for emphasis or clarity, especially if you suspect your audience may be unfamiliar with the term.

How does the "most common meaning" of a word change over time?

The "most common meaning" of a word can evolve due to cultural shifts, technological advancements, or changes in social norms. Consulting dictionaries and usage guides can help you stay informed about current usages.