Common Ground
“Common ground” is an area of shared interest, belief, or opinion between people or groups, especially when they otherwise differ.
“Common ground” means shared interests, beliefs, or opinions that provide a basis for agreement.
Key details
Further guidance
Contextual Examples
Both sides found common ground on the need for clearer deadlines.
Finding common ground on one issue does not imply that the parties agree on the entire proposal.
History Boundary
Current dictionary-supported meaning is published without claiming an exact inventor, coinage date, or absolute first use.
Meaning
shared interests, beliefs, or opinions between people or groups
Meaning Boundary
It does not mean complete agreement; people can share common ground while still disagreeing strongly on other points.
Practical Use
Use “common ground” for shared interests, beliefs, or opinions that can provide a basis for agreement.
Tone Boundary
Constructive and neutral, often useful in negotiation, discussion, and conflict-resolution contexts.
Usage Boundary
Common ground can be limited; finding one shared point does not imply broad agreement.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Common ground — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Current meaning of common ground