Conventions
/kənˈvɛnʃənz/
Definitions
3 meaningsPractices or behaviors that are widely accepted within a group or society.
/kənˈvɛnʃənz/
A generally accepted practice or custom.
The convention is that the bride wears white.
💡 Simply: Imagine a game where everyone knows the rules – like raising your hand to speak in class. These rules, or shared ways of doing things, are conventions. It's how everyone agrees to act.
👶 For kids: Rules that everyone agrees to follow, like saying 'please' and 'thank you'.
More Examples
Business conventions often dictate a certain dress code.
He violated the conventions of polite society by interrupting.
How It's Used
"Social conventions vary across cultures."
"Coding conventions help maintain consistent code styles."
"Film conventions, such as jump cuts, shape storytelling."
A large meeting of people who share some common interest or purpose.
/kənˈvɛnʃənz/
A formal meeting of people for a specific purpose.
The teachers' convention is held every year.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big get-together. It could be the Star Wars convention where fans meet up, or a company meeting bringing everyone together. It’s a convention.
👶 For kids: A big meeting where a lot of people with the same interests get together.
More Examples
The political convention nominated a new candidate.
Thousands attended the comic book convention.
How It's Used
"The Republican National Convention will be held in Cleveland."
"The annual medical convention attracts thousands of doctors."
A formal agreement between countries or groups.
/kənˈvɛnʃənz/
An agreement between countries or groups.
The Geneva Conventions are a set of agreements on the treatment of prisoners of war.
💡 Simply: Imagine if different countries agree on some rules – like agreeing to treat prisoners of war nicely. That’s a convention.
👶 For kids: An agreement between grown-ups, like rules for how they act.
More Examples
The international conventions on climate change are crucial.
The treaty was based on established conventions.
How It's Used
"The Geneva Conventions set standards of humanitarian treatment in war."
"Trade conventions can standardize international business deals."
Idioms & expressions
break with convention
To do something that is different from what is normally done or expected.
"The artist decided to break with convention and use unconventional materials."
follow convention
To do things in the way that is generally accepted or expected.
"She decided to follow convention and wear a white dress to her wedding."
From Latin *conventio* ('assembly, agreement'), from *convenire* ('to come together, agree'). The word developed through French to English, signifying established practices, customs, or agreements.
Used since the 15th century, initially referring to an agreement or compact. The sense of established custom developed later.
Memory tip
Think of a conference: it adheres to a set of conventions (rules, practices).
Word Origin
"to come together"