Communis is a Latin adjective that translates to English as "common" or "shared". It is derived from the Latin word "communis" itself, meaning "common, general, or universal." The term is employed to describe something that is mutually held, distributed, or established among numerous individuals or groups. It portrays the notion of belonging to or being shared by the whole community or society rather than being exclusive or limited to specific individuals or factions.
In various contexts, the word "communis" implies the concept of unity, cooperation, or collective ownership. In social and political realms, it has been associated with ideologies like communism or communalism, which emphasize the collective ownership of resources and the absence of private property. It can also convey the idea of general agreement, common interests, or shared responsibilities within a group or society.
Additionally, "communis" can describe something that is ordinary, usual, or widespread. It signifies a lack of distinctiveness or uniqueness, suggesting that a particular thing is common to the experience or knowledge of most people. Furthermore, it can connote a state of harmony, consensus, or common understanding between individuals or groups, as in the expression "mutatis mutandis communis" which means "with necessary changes being made, there is a common understanding."
Overall, "communis" is a versatile Latin term encompassing various aspects of shared and communal existence, encompassing notions of unity, cooperation, commonality, and mutual consensus.
