Common vs. Shared: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
Common refers to things that are widespread or belong equally to all, while Shared involves dividing something among individuals or groups, or using something jointly.
Key Differences
Common" typically insinuates something that is prevalent or ordinary. A common interest, for instance, suggests a widespread, generalized focus. "Shared", on the other hand, implies something that is distributed among or used by several. When we talk about a shared interest, it denotes a specific, mutual interest among a defined group of people.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
When one speaks of "common" property or areas, it implies spaces that are accessible or belonging to an entire community or public. Whereas, when we speak of "shared" spaces or properties, it indicates a specific joint usage or ownership between identified entities, and not generalized to everyone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
"Common" can also describe something that is habitual or conventional, something that happens frequently or is generally accepted. For instance, a common practice in a community might be universally acknowledged and performed. "Shared" doesn't encompass habitual aspects, rather it zeroes in on the collective use or ownership of something between parties.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
In certain contexts, “common” can suggest something mundane or of ordinary quality, something that lacks exclusiveness. Conversely, “shared” does not hold implications regarding quality or exclusiveness but strictly denotes joint participation or ownership.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
The word "common" may also hint at something that is collective in a cultural or communal sense, like common beliefs, which could be held by an entire society or group without indication of how these beliefs were formed or propagated. On a different note, "shared" incorporates the idea of joint activities or possessions, like shared experiences, which denotes experiences mutually and actively participated in by a group.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Involvement
May not imply active involvement
Suggests active participation or ownership
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Common and Shared Definitions
Common
Ordinary; of ordinary qualities; without special rank or position.
The common man wants peace, not war.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Shared
Having a part or parts in common with.
The two rectangles have shared sides.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Common
Belonging equally to or shared equally by two or more; joint
Common interests.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
Used, owned, or experienced by two or more individuals.
The shared car was economical for both travelers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Common
Of or relating to the community as a whole; public
For the common good.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
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Shared
Participated in, used, or experienced jointly.
The siblings had shared childhood memories.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Common
Widespread; prevalent
Gas stations became common as the use of cars grew.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
Divided or distributed out.
The shared resources helped complete the project faster.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Common
Occurring frequently or habitually; usual
It is common for movies to last 90 minutes or more.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
A part or portion belonging to, distributed to, contributed by, or owed by a person or group
The pirates argued over their shares of the treasure.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
One of the equal parts into which the capital stock of a company is divided
Bought 200 shares of the company's stock.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Not distinguished by superior or noteworthy characteristics; average
The common spectator.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
A unit of ownership in a mutual fund or other investment vehicle
Bought two shares in a mutual fund.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
Shares Chiefly British Stocks
European shares jumped two percent. The fund invests half the money in bonds and half in shares.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
To accord a share in (something) to another or others
Shared her chocolate bar with a friend.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Unrefined or coarse in manner; vulgar
Behavior that branded him as common.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
To divide and parcel out in shares; apportion
Shared the estate among his heirs.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
To participate in, use, enjoy, or experience jointly or in turns
Share a responsibility.
Share a room.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Representing one or all of the members of a class; not designating a unique entity.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
To hold or have jointly with another or others
She shares my view about the election.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
(Computers) To make (a digital file) accessible to other users on a network, as for copying and downloading.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
To allow someone to use or enjoy something that one possesses
Being in daycare taught the child to share.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
A tract of land, usually in a centrally located spot, belonging to or used by a community as a whole
A band concert on the village common.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
To use or enjoy something jointly or in turns
There is only one computer, so we will have to share.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
The legal right of a person to use the lands or waters of another, as for fishing.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Commons(used with a sing. verb) A building or hall for dining, typically at a university or college.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
Used by multiple entities or for multiple purposes or in multiple ways.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
Have in common; held or experienced in common;
Two shared valence electrons forming a bond between adjacent nuclei
A shared interest in philately
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Mutual; shared by more than one.
The two competitors have the common aim of winning the championship.
Winning the championship is an aim common to the two competitors.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
Distributed in portions (often equal) on the basis of a plan or purpose
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Occurring or happening regularly or frequently; usual.
It is common to find sharks off this coast.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Shared
Distributed in portions (often used in the context of distributed computing).
Shared data was synchronized across all devices.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Common
Found in large numbers or in a large quantity; usual.
Commoner used to be commoner, but more common is now more common.
Sharks are common in these waters.
It differs from the common blackbird in the size of its beak.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
(grammar) Of or pertaining to common nouns as opposed to proper nouns.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Vernacular, referring to the name of a kind of plant or animal, i.e., common name vs. scientific name.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
(legal) The right of taking a profit in the land of another, in common either with the owner or with other persons; so called from the community of interest which arises between the claimant of the right and the owner of the soil, or between the claimants and other commoners entitled to the same right.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Belonging or relating equally, or similarly, to more than one; as, you and I have a common interest in the property.
Though life and sense be common to men and brutes.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Belonging to or shared by, affecting or serving, all the members of a class, considered together; general; public; as, properties common to all plants; the common schools; the Book of Common Prayer.
Such actions as the common good requireth.
The common enemy of man.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Often met with; usual; frequent; customary.
Grief more than common grief.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Not distinguished or exceptional; inconspicuous; ordinary; plebeian; - often in a depreciatory sense.
The honest, heart-felt enjoyment of common life.
This fact was infamousAnd ill beseeming any common man,Much more a knight, a captain and a leader.
Above the vulgar flight of common souls.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Given to habits of lewdness; prostitute.
A dame who herself was common.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
An inclosed or uninclosed tract of ground for pleasure, for pasturage, etc., the use of which belongs to the public; or to a number of persons.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
The right of taking a profit in the land of another, in common either with the owner or with other persons; - so called from the community of interest which arises between the claimant of the right and the owner of the soil, or between the claimants and other commoners entitled to the same right.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
To converse together; to discourse; to confer.
Embassadors were sent upon both parts, and divers means of entreaty were commoned of.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
A piece of open land for recreational use in an urban area;
They went for a walk in the park
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public;
For the common good
Common lands are set aside for use by all members of a community
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Of no special distinction or quality; widely known or commonly encountered; average or ordinary or usual;
The common man
A common sailor
The common cold
A common nuisance
Followed common procedure
It is common knowledge that she lives alone
The common housefly
A common brand of soap
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Common to or shared by two or more parties;
A common friend
The mutual interests of management and labor
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Commonly encountered;
A common (or familiar) complaint
The usual greeting
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language;
Common parlance
A vernacular term
Vernacular speakers
The vulgar tongue of the masses
The technical and vulgar names for an animal species
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Of or associated with the great masses of people;
The common people in those days suffered greatly
Behavior that branded him as common
His square plebeian nose
A vulgar and objectionable person
The unwashed masses
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Of low or inferior quality or value;
Of what coarse metal ye are molded
Produced...the common cloths used by the poorer population
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Lacking refinement or cultivation or taste;
He had coarse manners but a first-rate mind
Behavior that branded him as common
An untutored and uncouth human being
An uncouth soldier--a real tough guy
Appealing to the vulgar taste for violence
The vulgar display of the newly rich
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 20, 2023
Common
Prevalent; found in many places or among many people.
Blue is a common color in national flags.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Common
Shared by, coming from, or done by more than one.
The common objective was to win the match.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Common
Forming or formed by two or more parts or branches.
The common meeting ground was decided.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Common
In frequent use; serving many.
The common areas in the building need renovation.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
FAQs
Can "shared" imply something is universally accessible?
No, "shared" usually implies something is used or owned jointly by a specific group, not everyone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Does "shared" have implications about quality or exclusiveness?
No, "shared" mainly indicates joint use or ownership without implying quality or exclusiveness.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
What does "common" generally convey?
"Common" often conveys something that is widespread, prevalent, or belonging to all.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "common" also mean usual or ordinary?
Yes, "common" can refer to what is usual or ordinary in certain contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Does "shared" necessarily imply active participation?
Generally, yes. "Shared" typically suggests active, joint participation or ownership.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Can "common" imply ordinariness or lack of exclusivity?
Yes, "common" can sometimes suggest something is ordinary or not exclusive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "shared" be used in the context of distributing resources?
Yes, "shared" can refer to resources being distributed among or used jointly by multiple entities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can something be "common" without being "shared"?
Yes, something can be common (widespread or usual) without being actively shared.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
How does "common knowledge" relate to widespread information?
"Common knowledge" refers to information that is generally accepted and known by a large group regardless of how it is learned.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Is "common ground" a term that signifies shared aspects?
Yes, "common ground" signifies areas of agreement or shared interests between parties.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can something be "shared" without being "common"?
Yes, something can be shared among a specific group without being widespread or common.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Is "shared responsibility" about common duty?
Yes, "shared responsibility" pertains to a duty or obligation borne jointly by the involved parties.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can "common" refer to what is shared historically or culturally among people?
Yes, "common" can refer to shared history, culture, or characteristics in a broad sense.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
What does a "shared" experience typically imply?
A "shared" experience implies an experience that is mutually participated in or undergone by a group.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "common" refer to something shared by a group?
Yes, "common" can denote something that is shared by, or applicable to, a group or community.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is "shared knowledge" the same as "common knowledge"?
Not exactly. While "common knowledge" is widely known, "shared knowledge" refers to information known by a specific group.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
What does it mean when resources are "shared" in computing?
In computing, "shared" resources refer to data, memory, or processing ability that can be accessed and used by multiple systems or users.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can "shared" imply partial ownership?
Yes, "shared" can imply ownership or use that is divided among individuals or groups.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Can "common" imply shared rights or privileges?
Yes, "common" can denote shared rights or privileges among a group or community.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "common" imply something is normal or standard?
Yes, "common" can suggest something aligns with standard or normal occurrences or conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
