Definition of commonality

The word "commonality" has its roots in the 14th century Latin word "communis," meaning "shared" or "common." This Latin word is also the source of other English words like "common" and "community." In English, "commonality" initially referred to a shared or common quality, characteristic, or interest among people or things. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the idea of shared experience, connection, or sense of belonging. In the 16th century, the word began to be used in law to describe a legal entity or corporation that is owned or shared by multiple people. This sense of shared ownership or joint responsibility has endured to the present day. Today, "commonality" is often used in a variety of contexts, including sociology, psychology, politics, and philosophy, to describe the ways in which people or groups share experiences, values, or goals.