Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

common-usage

Noun

/ˈkɒmən ˈjuːsɪdʒ/

Definition

The way in which a word, phrase, or expression is typically used by a large number of people.

Examples

The term ‘selfie’ has entered common usage among teenagers.
Some phrases may change over time and fall out of common usage.
In academic writing, it’s important to distinguish between common usage and formal language.

Meaning

Common usage refers to the conventional or standard way language is used by the general populace. It reflects the meanings and forms that are widely accepted and understood within a language community.