Pronunciation: [kˈɒmjuːnz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "communes" is not straightforward. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /ˈkɑːmjuːnz/. The first three letters, "com", are pronounced with a short "o" sound, as in "hot". The "m" is followed by a long "u" sound, as in "you". Finally, the word ends with the "n" and "s" sounds. Interestingly, the pronunciation of this word can also vary depending on whether it is used as a noun or a verb.
Communes, in its most basic definition, refer to distinct social, political, and economic systems where a group of people live together and share responsibilities, resources, and decision-making. It denotes a form of intentional community where individuals voluntarily choose to live in close proximity, pooling their resources and living communally, with the aim of creating a more egalitarian, cooperative, and self-sustaining way of life.
The concept of communes has historical roots dating back to early agricultural civilizations, with notable examples in ancient Greece and Rome. However, the term gained prominence during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly during the rise of socialist and anarchist movements. These groups sought to challenge traditional social hierarchies and promote collective ownership and shared living arrangements.
Communes can take various forms, from urban communes that share housing and resources to rural communes that focus on sustainable farming and self-sufficiency. The specific structure and principles of a commune may vary, but they usually involve shared decision-making processes, communal ownership of property, and a commitment to cooperation, equality, and common welfare.
In modern times, communes often emerge as alternative living arrangements or countercultural communities, driven by environmental concerns, shared ideologies, or the desire for a more inclusive and connected lifestyle. Despite their differences, communes emphasize a sense of shared responsibility, solidarity, and the belief that people can live together peacefully and harmoniously, transcending individualism and promoting collective well-being.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "communes" comes from the Latin word "communis", which means "common" or "shared". In medieval times, communes referred to self-governing cities or towns in Europe, where citizens had common rights and privileges and governed themselves independently from feudal lords. The term later expanded to describe various forms of communal organizations or societies.
