Deepcove  +  263618 Thu, 07 Sep 06 06:23 AM What is the difference between these two words? I always have difficulty using them. If I say "a common person", do i imply this guy is not talented, of below average ability? If i say " an ordinary person", do i mean he is just a person of the mass, an average joe? Does 'common' has a more degrading sense? For example, if sb make mistakes, should i say to console ' hey man, you are just an ordinary person, not a big deal.'  if i use 'common' in this sentence, is there a difference? thanks a lot, as a newbie, i find this forum very useful and friendly. Deepcove Joined on Tue, Aug 29 2006 New Member 26 Difference Between

	nona the brit  +  263712 Thu, 07 Sep 06 10:51 AM Common is an insult when it is applied to people. With most things, it can mean close to a synonym of 'ordinary'  or 'widespread' but with people it usually takes this meaning only: common – vulgar, coarse, ill-mannered, rough, low-class, unrefined. So it needs to be used with care.   Ordinary person means exactly what you think.     nona the brit Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004 England Veteran Member 11,713 The name says it all. Synonyms

	Annvan  +  263713 Thu, 07 Sep 06 10:52 AM Both of these words can sound negative, so, using your example, you would comfort this person saying: "Hey man, you're only human, not a big deal." Using the word "ordinary" might be insulting; the word "common" certainly would be! Annvan Joined on Mon, Sep 4 2006 The Philippines Regular Member 618 Negatives