common ivy
1
3.4
- noun
- /ˈkɑːmən ˈaɪvi/
- Birds are attracted to common ivy because of its dense foliage and small, black fruits.
Examples
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The common ivy grows well in shady areas.
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Common ivy can cover walls and fences, giving gardens a lush, green appearance year-round.
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Gardeners often plant common ivy to provide ground cover and prevent soil erosion.
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Many gardeners love the common ivy for its lush appearance.
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In the garden, the common ivy climbed over the trellis, creating a beautiful green wall.
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Many homeowners enjoy the sight of common ivy adorning their fences and walls during the summer months.
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The gardener decided to plant common ivy as it requires little maintenance and thrives in shaded areas.
Synonyms
27
1.0
A climbing plant with green leaves and small dark berries that grows on walls
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3.9
A climbing evergreen vine with lobed green leaves and small black berries often grown in gardens
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9.1
A climbing plant like English ivy that covers walls and the ground
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8.0
A climbing evergreen plant with shiny dark green leaves that often covers walls and ground
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase denotes an ivy that is 'common' (ordinary or widespread), so a B1 learner who knows 'common' and 'ivy' can infer it refers to a commonplace/widespread ivy species. The meaning follows a regular adjective + noun composition and is cross-linguistically transparent, so no idiomatic knowledge is required.
Etymology
Common ivy is named for being the ivy people see everywhere. The word common simply means 'the usual' or 'found a lot', and the picture of the same ivy climbing walls and fences helps you remember it is the familiar, widespread climbing plant.