Communal vs. Community — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024

Communal refers to shared use or ownership among a group, while community describes a group of people with common interests or locality.

Communal vs. Community — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Communal and Community

Key Differences

Communal is typically used to describe something related to the collective use or ownership of resources, like communal land or a communal kitchen. On the other hand, community refers more broadly to a group of people who are linked by social ties, share common perspectives, or are situated in a common geographical area.

Communal activities are often those that involve the participation or contribution of a group, such as communal farming or communal dining. Whereas, community activities might focus on interaction and relationship-building within a group, such as community meetings or social gatherings.

In a communal setting, the emphasis is on the sharing and management of assets among members, which can include facilities, tools, or responsibilities. Conversely, in a community setting, the focus might be more on mutual support, cultural development, and creating a shared identity among its members.

Communal living arrangements, like cooperatives or communes, specifically highlight collective living and shared responsibilities. On the other hand, community living can refer to living in a particular neighborhood or town, which does not necessarily involve shared property or resources.

Communal systems often require members to adhere strictly to shared rules and contributions, aiming for equality in usage and benefits. Community systems, however, might be more flexible, focusing on voluntary participation and support, with varying degrees of involvement from its members.

Comparison Chart

Definition

Pertaining to shared use or ownership

A group of people sharing common traits

Focus

Sharing resources

Social ties and interaction

Typical Settings

Communes, cooperatives

Neighborhoods, online platforms

Organizational Structure

Often governed by strict rules

Less formal, more flexible

Goal

Equal access and responsibility

Support and development

Compare with Definitions

Communal

Involving collective use.

Communal meals at the camp foster a sense of togetherness.

Community

A body of people or things viewed collectively.

The scientific community continues to make important discoveries.

Communal

Shared or common.

They bought a communal car to save on expenses.

Community

The condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common.

The online gaming community is quite diverse.

Communal

Owned collectively.

The tribe's land is communal and passed down through generations.

Community

A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.

The local community was very welcoming.

Communal

Pertaining to or used by a community.

The communal garden was tended by all the apartment building’s residents.

Community

A feeling of fellowship with others.

There is a strong sense of community in small towns.

Communal

Managed by a community as a group.

The communal decision-making process requires consensus.

Community

A group of nations having common interests.

The international community must tackle climate change together.

Communal

Of or relating to a commune.

Community

A community is a social unit (a group of living things) with commonality such as norms, religion, values, customs, or identity. Communities may share a sense of place situated in a given geographical area (e.g.

Communal

Of or relating to a community.

Community

A group of people living in the same locality and under the same government.

Communal

Of, belonging to, or shared by the people of a community; public.

Community

The district or locality in which such a group lives.

Communal

Marked by collective ownership and control of goods and property.

Community

A group of people having common interests

The scientific community.

The international business community.

Communal

Pertaining to a community

Community

A group viewed as forming a distinct segment of society

The gay community.

The community of color.

Communal

Shared by a community; public

Community

Similarity or identity

A community of interests.

Communal

(India) defined by religious ideas; based on religion

Communal violence

Communal politics

Community

Sharing, participation, and fellowship

A sense of community.

Communal

Pertaining to a commune.

Community

Society as a whole; the public.

Communal

Resembling a commune{4} or the practises of a commune{4}; as, communal living.

Community

A group of organisms interacting with one another and with the environment in a specific region.

Communal

For or by a group rather than individuals;

Dipping each his bread into a communal dish of stew

A communal settlement in which all earnings and food were shared

A group effort

Community

The region occupied by a group of interacting organisms.

Communal

Relating to a small administrative district or community;

Communal elections in several European countries

Community

(countable) A group sharing a common understanding, and often the same language, law, manners, and/or tradition.

Community

(countable) A residential or religious collective; a commune.

Community

A group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other.

Community

A group of people interacting by electronic means for educational, professional, social, or other purposes; a virtual community.

Community

(uncountable) The condition of having certain attitudes and interests in common.

Community

Common enjoyment or possession; participation.

A community of goods

Community

Common character; likeness.

Community

Commonness; frequency.

Community

A local area within a county or county borough which is the lowest tier of local government, usually represented by a community council or town council, which is generally equivalent to a civil parish in England.

Community

Common possession or enjoyment; participation; as, a community of goods.

The original community of all things.

An unreserved community of thought and feeling.

Community

A body of people having common rights, privileges, or interests, or living in the same place under the same laws and regulations; as, a community of monks. Hence a number of animals living in a common home or with some apparent association of interests.

Creatures that in communities exist.

Community

Society at large; a commonwealth or state; a body politic; the public, or people in general.

Burdens upon the poorer classes of the community.

Community

Common character; likeness.

The essential community of nature between organic growth and inorganic growth.

Community

Commonness; frequency.

Eyes . . . sick and blunted with community.

Community

A group of people living in a particular local area;

The team is drawn from all parts of the community

Community

A group of people having ethnic or cultural or religious characteristics in common;

The Christian community of the apostolic age

He was well known throughout the Catholic community

Community

Common ownership;

They shared a community of possessions

Community

A group of nations having common interests;

They hoped to join the NATO community

Community

The body of people in a learned occupation;

The news spread rapidly through the medical community

Community

Agreement as to goals;

The preachers and the bootleggers found they had a community of interests

Community

A district where people live; occupied primarily by private residences

Community

(ecology) a group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other

Common Curiosities

Can a community have communal aspects?

Yes, many communities have communal aspects like shared facilities or cooperative ventures.

How does community involvement benefit individuals?

Community involvement can provide emotional support, enhance social networks, and improve overall well-being.

What are the challenges of communal systems?

Challenges can include managing collective decision-making, ensuring fair contributions, and handling conflicts.

What are examples of communal ownership?

Examples include communal farms, tool libraries, and cooperative housing projects.

What defines a communal resource?

A communal resource is defined by its shared use and management among a group, emphasizing collective benefit.

How does a community form?

A community can form based on geographical location, common interests, or shared values.

What is the benefit of communal living?

Communal living promotes sharing and can reduce individual expenses and responsibilities.

What is the role of community leaders?

Community leaders organize, represent, and advocate for the interests and needs of their communities.

How do communal values differ from individualistic values?

Communal values emphasize collective benefit and shared responsibilities, while individualistic values focus on personal rights and freedoms.

How do community events enhance social bonds?

Community events such as festivals, workshops, and group activities foster interaction and strengthen social bonds.

What types of activities are common in communal settings?

Activities like shared meals, cooperative childcare, and joint maintenance tasks are common in communal settings.

How do communities impact local governance?

Communities often influence local governance through collective voting, public meetings, and community-led initiatives.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Maham Liaqat

Edited by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.