Common vs. Unique: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 4, 2023
"Common" refers to something found frequently or shared by all, while "unique" denotes something distinct and unmatched in its characteristics.
Difference Between Common and Unique
"Common" and "unique" represent two contrasting concepts, each carving out its own space in language. The word "common" typically describes something that is frequently seen, experienced, or shared among a group. It can point to shared characteristics, practices, or even to mundane and ordinary items or experiences. Whether it's common knowledge or a common cold, the word underscores familiarity and ubiquity.
Muazma Batool
Nov 04, 2023
Conversely, "unique" stands out by its very nature. When we describe something as unique, we're highlighting its singular nature, emphasizing that it cannot be replicated or replaced. Unique items or experiences aren't just rare; they're unmatched. Every snowflake, for example, is considered unique due to its individual crystalline structure.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Understanding the nuance between these words is essential. Something can be rare but not unique. For instance, a limited-edition piece of artwork may be rare because of the few copies made, but it isn't unique if replicas exist. Yet, the original thought behind that artwork, the artist's exact emotion and motivation at that moment, remains unique.
Muazma Batool
Nov 04, 2023
Interestingly, while "common" often takes a backseat, being perceived as "ordinary," it's foundational in various contexts. Shared values, common interests, and mutual understanding form the backbone of many human interactions and societies. Yet, it's the unique traits, talents, and innovations that often push civilizations forward, adding diversity and dynamism to the common fabric.
Kaitlyn
Nov 04, 2023
In summation, while "common" and "unique" are often seen at opposite ends of a spectrum, both have their value. While the common provides a foundation, a base level of understanding and shared experience, the unique offers differentiation, innovation, and a touch of the extraordinary.
Lucas
Nov 04, 2023
Common vs. Unique Comparison Chart
Common vs. Unique Definitions
◉Unique
Being the only one of its kind.
Her voice has a unique tone that's easily recognizable.
Nolan
Sep 14, 2023
◉Common
Shared by all in a particular area.
It's common knowledge that the earth orbits the sun.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Unique
Highly unusual or rare.
It's a unique opportunity to see this rare artifact.
Jonathan
Sep 14, 2023
◉Common
Of no special distinction.
He wore a common hat that blended with the crowd.
Elijah
Sep 14, 2023
◉Common
Belonging equally to or shared equally by two or more; joint
common interests.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Of or relating to the community as a whole; public
for the common good.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Widespread; prevalent
Gas stations became common as the use of cars grew.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Unique
Being the only one of its kind
the unique existing example of Donne's handwriting.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Occurring frequently or habitually; usual
It is common for movies to last 90 minutes or more.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Unique
Characteristic only of a particular category or entity
a weather pattern that is unique to coastal areas.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Not distinguished by superior or noteworthy characteristics; average
the common spectator.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Unrefined or coarse in manner; vulgar
behavior that branded him as common.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Unique
A thing without a like; something unequalled or unparallelled; one of a kind.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Unique
Being without a like or equal; unmatched; unequaled; unparalleled; single in kind or excellence; sole.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Representing one or all of the members of a class; not designating a unique entity.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Unique
A thing without a like; something unequaled or unparalleled.
The phenix, the unique pf birds.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Unique
(followed by `to') applying exclusively to a given category or condition or locality;
a species unique to Australia
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
The legal right of a person to use the lands or waters of another, as for fishing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
commons(used with a sing. verb) A building or hall for dining, typically at a university or college.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
(Ecclesiastical) A service used for a particular class of festivals.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Occurring or happening regularly or frequently; usual.
It is common to find sharks off this coast.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
(grammar) Of or pertaining to common nouns as opposed to proper nouns.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Vernacular, referring to the name of a kind of plant or animal, i.e., common name vs. scientific name.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Often met with; usual; frequent; customary.
Grief more than common grief.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Profane; polluted.
What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Given to habits of lewdness; prostitute.
A dame who herself was common.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
To converse together; to discourse; to confer.
Embassadors were sent upon both parts, and divers means of entreaty were commoned of.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
a piece of open land for recreational use in an urban area;
they went for a walk in the park
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
common to or shared by two or more parties;
a common friend
the mutual interests of management and labor
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
commonly encountered;
a common (or familiar) complaint
the usual greeting
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Common
Relating to the community at large.
The park is a common area for all residents.
Jonathan
Sep 14, 2023
Common vs. Unique Frequently Asked Questions
Is something common always unimportant?
No, common things can be foundational and essential.
Muazma Batool
Nov 04, 2023
Can there be common traits in unique items?
Yes, unique items can share some common characteristics.
Levi
Nov 04, 2023
Does unique always mean better?
Not necessarily, unique denotes distinctiveness, not superiority.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Can a common item become unique?
Over time, if it gains singular characteristics or significance.
Muazma Batool
Nov 04, 2023
Why is uniqueness celebrated?
Because it stands out and offers a fresh perspective or experience.
Lucas
Nov 04, 2023
Does unique always mean rare?
While unique items are often rare, not all rare things are unique.
Lucas
Nov 04, 2023
Is it bad to be common?
Being common in some aspects doesn't negate individual value or uniqueness.
Henry
Nov 04, 2023
Can common experiences shape unique stories?
Absolutely, personal interpretations can give a unique spin to common events.
Muazma Batool
Nov 04, 2023
How can something be both common and unique?
A person might have a common name but possess a unique personality.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
How do I know if something is truly unique?
By its unmatched characteristics or unmatched significance in its context.
Kaitlyn
Nov 04, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
