communal

com·mu·nal

adj \kə-ˈmyü-n^əl, ˈkäm-yə-n^əl\

Definition of COMMUNAL

1

: of or relating to one or more communes

2

: of or relating to a community

3

a : characterized by collective ownership and use of property b : participated in, shared, or used in common by members of a group or community

4

: of, relating to, or based on racial or cultural groups

— com·mu·nal·ize \kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌlīz, ˈkäm-yə-\ transitive verb

— com·mu·nal·ly adverb

Examples of COMMUNAL

1. The tribe lived in communal huts.
2. the communal experience of riding on the train

Origin of COMMUNAL

French, from Late Latin communalis, from Latin communis

First Known Use: 1800

Related to COMMUNAL

Synonyms: collaborative, combined, common, collective, concerted, conjoint, conjunct, cooperative, joint, multiple, mutual, pooled, public, shared, united

Antonyms: exclusive, individual, one-man, one-sided, one-way, single, sole, solitary, unilateral

Related Words: bilateral, consensual, reciprocal, symbiotic, synergic, synergistic, two-way; mass, popular; general, generic, universal

Near Antonyms: personal, private; independent, separate, several; esoteric, particular, special, specialized

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Other Sociology Terms

bourgeois, ethos, eugenics, exurb, incommunicado, intelligentsia, megalopolis, metrosexual, mores, subculture