List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 77

SYNONYMS: common, ordinary, familiar, vulgar.
These adjectives describe what is generally known or frequently encountered.

Common applies to what is customary, takes place often, is widely used, or is well known: a common problem; a common thief; the common dandelion. The term also suggests lack of distinction and can imply coarseness or crudeness: drank wine of the commonest sort; had a very common look about him.
Ordinary describes what is of the usual kind and is not distinguished in any way from others. In the latter sense it is sometimes derogatory: A ballpoint pen is adequate for most ordinary purposes. The violinist gave a very ordinary performance marked by an occasional memory lapse.
Familiar applies to what is well known or quickly recognized through frequent occurrence or regular association: a nursery rhyme familiar to most children; sang all the old familiar songs.
Vulgar describes what is associated with the great mass of people: Shakespeare was not something sacred and aloof from the vulgar herd of men. The word usually connotes the lack of refinement of common: Slurping soup directly from the bowl is vulgar.