adjective
communal
kuh-MYOO-nul/kəˈmjuːnl/
Shared by or involving a community or group.
The neighbors gather vegetables from their communal garden into a shared basket.
Etymology
Communis supplies the idea of what is common to a group. Communal first described what belonged to a commune, then broadened to communities generally and what their members share.
In context
the moai played a significant role in unifying the Island's population with shared religious beliefs and communal participation in their construction and transport reinforcing social cohesion and cultural identity
More examples
- Neighbors grow vegetables in the communal garden.
- The festival ends with a communal meal.
- Keeping the courtyard clean is a communal responsibility.
Forms
communal
communally adverb — In a way shared by a group.
Similar words
- shared
- Emphasizes common use or ownership rather than group participation.
- collective
- Emphasizes people acting together rather than sharing a resource.