Common vs. Unique — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 13, 2024
Common refers to what is shared or usual among many, whereas unique signifies being the only one of its kind, distinct from all others.
Difference Between Common and Unique
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Common describes characteristics, items, or experiences that are shared by a large number of people or occur frequently. It implies a sense of universality or normalcy within a group or context. On the other hand, unique identifies something as one-of-a-kind, possessing qualities or attributes that set it apart from everything else, highlighting its singularity and rarity.
When we talk about common values or interests, we refer to those that are widely held or appreciated across a community or society, suggesting a foundation for shared understanding or collective identity. Whereas, unique qualities or talents refer to those that are distinctive to an individual or entity, often celebrated for their rarity and value in contributing to diversity and innovation.
In the realm of ideas or products, common suggests those that are familiar or standard, easily found or recognized by most people. This contrasts with unique ideas or products, which stand out due to their originality, novelty, or customized nature, often attracting attention for their differentiation from the norm.
The concept of common knowledge encompasses facts or information that are assumed to be known by a large segment of the population, requiring no special expertise or explanation. In contrast, unique insights or discoveries offer new, unprecedented understanding or perspectives, pushing the boundaries of what is known or accepted.
In environmental or biological contexts, common species refer to those that are abundant or widespread, playing well-established roles in their ecosystems. Unique species, however, are those with rare or peculiar characteristics, sometimes endangered, whose existence adds irreplaceable diversity and complexity to the natural world.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Shared or usual among many
Being the only one of its kind
Implication
Universality, normalcy
Distinctiveness, rarity
In terms of ideas/products
Familiar, standard
Original, novel
Knowledge
Widely known, no special expertise required
New, unprecedented understanding
Environmental context
Abundant or widespread species
Rare, peculiar characteristics
Compare with Definitions
Common
Shared by many.
Common interests facilitate social bonding.
Unique
One-of-a-kind.
Each person's fingerprint is unique.
Common
Abundant in nature.
Dandelions are a common sight in meadows.
Unique
Original and novel.
His approach to solving problems is quite unique.
Common
Frequently occurring.
It's common to see rain in spring.
Unique
Special or uncommon knowledge.
She has a unique understanding of quantum physics.
Common
Standard or usual.
It's common practice to shake hands when meeting.
Unique
Rare or uncommon.
It's unique to find a blue rose in nature.
Common
Widely known.
It's common knowledge that the Earth orbits the Sun.
Unique
Distinctive features.
The artist is known for her unique style.
Common
Belonging equally to or shared equally by two or more; joint
Common interests.
Unique
Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else
The situation was unique in British politics
Original and unique designs
Common
Of or relating to the community as a whole; public
For the common good.
Unique
A unique person or thing
Some of Lamb's writings were so memorably beautiful as to be uniques in their class
Common
Widespread; prevalent
Gas stations became common as the use of cars grew.
Unique
Being the only one of its kind
The unique existing example of Donne's handwriting.
Common
Occurring frequently or habitually; usual
It is common for movies to last 90 minutes or more.
Unique
Characteristic only of a particular category or entity
A weather pattern that is unique to coastal areas.
Common
Most widely known; ordinary
The common housefly.
Unique
Remarkable; extraordinary
A unique opportunity to buy a house.
Common
Having no special designation, status, or rank
A common sailor.
Unique
(uncomparable) Being the only one of its kind; unequaled, unparalleled or unmatched.
Every person has a unique life, therefore every person has a unique journey.
Common
Not distinguished by superior or noteworthy characteristics; average
The common spectator.
Unique
Of a feature, such that only one holder has it.
Common
Of no special quality; standard
Common procedure.
Unique
Particular, characteristic.
Common
Of mediocre or inferior quality; second-rate
Common cloth.
Unique
(proscribed) Of a rare quality, unusual.
Common
Unrefined or coarse in manner; vulgar
Behavior that branded him as common.
Unique
A thing without a like; something unequalled or unparallelled; one of a kind.
Common
Either masculine or feminine in gender.
Unique
Being without a like or equal; unmatched; unequaled; unparalleled; single in kind or excellence; sole.
Common
Representing one or all of the members of a class; not designating a unique entity.
Unique
A thing without a like; something unequaled or unparalleled.
The phenix, the unique pf birds.
Common
Commons The common people; commonalty.
Unique
Radically distinctive and without equal;
He is alone in the field of microbiology
This theory is altogether alone in its penetration of the problem
Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint
Craftsmen whose skill is unequaled
Unparalleled athletic ability
A breakdown of law unparalleled in our history
Common
The social class composed of commoners.
Unique
(followed by `to') applying exclusively to a given category or condition or locality;
A species unique to Australia
Common
The parliamentary representatives of this class.
Unique
The single one of its kind;
A singular example
The unique existing example of Donne's handwriting
A unique copy of an ancient manuscript
Certain types of problems have unique solutions
Common
Commons The House of Commons.
Unique
Highly unusual or rare but not the single instance;
Spoke with a unique accent
Had unique ability in raising funds
A frankness unique in literature
A unique dining experience
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.
Common
The legal right of a person to use the lands or waters of another, as for fishing.
Common
Commons(used with a sing. verb) A building or hall for dining, typically at a university or college.
Common
Common stock.
Common
(Ecclesiastical) A service used for a particular class of festivals.
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.
Common
Occurring or happening regularly or frequently; usual.
It is common to find sharks off this coast.
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.
Common
Simple, ordinary or vulgar.
Common
(grammar) Of, pertaining or belonging to the common gender.
Common
(grammar) Of or pertaining to common nouns as opposed to proper nouns.
Common
Vernacular, referring to the name of a kind of plant or animal, i.e., common name vs. scientific name.
Common
(obsolete) Profane; polluted.
Common
(obsolete) Given to lewd habits; prostitute.
Common
Mutual good, shared by more than one.
Common
A tract of land in common ownership; common land.
Common
The people; the community.
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.
Common
(obsolete) To communicate (something).
Common
(obsolete) To converse, talk.
Common
(obsolete) To participate.
Common
(obsolete) To have a joint right with others in common ground.
Common
(obsolete) To board together; to eat at a table in common.
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.
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.
Common
Often met with; usual; frequent; customary.
Grief more than common grief.
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.
Common
Profane; polluted.
What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
Common
Given to habits of lewdness; prostitute.
A dame who herself was common.
Common
The people; the community.
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.
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.
Common
To converse together; to discourse; to confer.
Embassadors were sent upon both parts, and divers means of entreaty were commoned of.
Common
To participate.
Common
To have a joint right with others in common ground.
Common
To board together; to eat at a table in common.
Common
A piece of open land for recreational use in an urban area;
They went for a walk in the park
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
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
Common
Common to or shared by two or more parties;
A common friend
The mutual interests of management and labor
Common
Commonly encountered;
A common (or familiar) complaint
The usual greeting
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
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
Common
Of low or inferior quality or value;
Of what coarse metal ye are molded
Produced...the common cloths used by the poorer population
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
Common
To be expected; standard;
Common decency
Common Curiosities
What is an example of a common practice?
A common practice is greeting someone with a handshake in many cultures, symbolizing a standard form of introduction.
How does uniqueness contribute to biodiversity?
Uniqueness contributes to biodiversity by adding variety and complexity to ecosystems, enhancing resilience and the potential for adaptation.
Is commonality important for social interactions?
Yes, commonality provides a basis for mutual understanding and connection, facilitating smoother social interactions and relationships.
How do common values benefit a community?
Common values can foster unity, cooperation, and a sense of belonging among members of a community by providing a shared foundation.
Can a unique idea become common?
Yes, unique ideas can become common if they are widely adopted and integrated into the standard practices or knowledge of a society.
What does unique mean?
Unique describes something or someone as being the only one of its kind, distinct and separate from all others due to specific qualities or attributes.
Can something be both common and unique?
While something may be common in one aspect, it can also possess unique features in another, highlighting the complexity of characteristics.
Why is uniqueness valued?
Uniqueness is valued for its rarity and the distinct qualities that set someone or something apart, often leading to innovation and diversity.
What makes an item unique?
An item is made unique by its distinctive features, design, or the specific context in which it was created, setting it apart from others.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
