Definitionv1DF-179
Common ground
the shared mutual knowledge, beliefs, and assumptions between speaker and listener that must be actively constructed and maintained for successful communication to occur
Why This Is a Definition
This definition establishes the precise semantic boundary of 'common ground' by identifying its genus (mutual knowledge/beliefs/assumptions) and differentia (shared nature requiring active construction). It distinguishes it from simple shared knowledge by emphasizing the active maintenance and construction process required for successful communication.