shared

Shared is an adjective used to describe something that is used, owned, or available to more than one person or group. It implies mutual access or responsibility and often contrasts with private or exclusive use. The term is widely applied across everyday language, business, and technology.

In computing, "shared" refers to resources intended for use by multiple processes or devices. Shared memory enables fast data exchange between programs running on the same system. Shared libraries are collections of code loaded by several programs to reduce duplication. Shared folders or drives allow multiple users to access common files over a network.

In social and economic contexts, sharing underpins arrangements such as shared housing, car sharing, and the broader shared economy, where access to goods and services is prioritized over individual ownership. Shared ownership or common-property models distribute rights and responsibilities among participants, with governance and access rules governing usage.

The concept also appears in everyday communication and information theory, where shared knowledge or a shared understanding refers to information that is mutually known among participants. The term's usage can emphasize collaboration, openness, or reciprocity, and it carries considerations related to privacy, security, and consent.