from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Commonplace \Com"mon*place`\, n.
1. An idea or expression wanting originality or interest; a
trite or customary remark; a platitude.
[1913 Webster]
2. A memorandum; something to be frequently consulted or
referred to.
[1913 Webster]
Whatever, in my reading, occurs concerning this our
fellow creature, I do never fail to set it down by
way of commonplace. --Swift.
[1913 Webster]
{Commonplace book}, a book in which records are made of
things to be remembered.
[1913 Webster]