Definition

1. Noun:
   • A basis agreed to by all parties for reaching a mutual understanding: "Common ground" refers to a shared belief, interest, or position that serves as a foundation for agreement or discussion between people or groups who may otherwise disagree.

Usage

• "Common ground" is an uncountable noun. It is used to describe an abstract area of agreement, not a physical place.
• It is typically used in contexts involving discussion, negotiation, or conflict resolution.
• Common collocations include: , , , , .

Examples

• Noun:
  • Despite their political differences, the two leaders were able to find common ground on environmental policy.
  • The mediator's job is to identify common ground between the disputing parties.
  • We need to establish some common ground before we can begin a productive negotiation.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on common ground": to be in a situation where shared understanding or agreement exists.
  • Once we agreed on the core principles, we were finally on common ground.
• "a piece of common ground": a specific point or area of agreement.
  • Their shared love for music was a crucial piece of common ground that helped them become friends.

Variants and Related Words

• Commonality (n): a shared feature or attribute.
  • Finding commonalities can help build relationships.
• Consensus (n): general agreement among a group.
  • The committee reached a consensus after a long debate.

Synonyms

• Mutual understanding: a shared comprehension.
• Area of agreement: a specific subject on which parties agree.
• Meeting of minds: a state of agreement or concord.

Related Phrases

• Find middle ground: to reach a compromise.
  • They couldn't agree on extremes, so they had to find middle ground.
• See eye to eye: to agree fully.
  • The siblings rarely see eye to eye on financial matters.

Related Idioms

• "To build bridges": to establish connections or reconcile differences.
  • The cultural exchange program aimed to build bridges between the two communities.
• "To be in the same boat": to be in the same, often difficult, situation.
  • Realizing they were in the same boat helped them find common ground.

Noun

1. a basis agreed to by all parties for reaching a mutual understanding