Words / C1

k-uh-n-VENSHUN/kənˈvenʃn/

A convention is an accepted way of doing something in a community: academic, social, or artistic. Native writers mark a convention when they follow or break it on purpose. A custom is often cultural and older; a rule is more official; a conference is another meaning of convention (a large meeting). Conventional is the adjective: the usual way.

Meaning

A usual way of doing something that people accept.

Examples

• “It is a convention to write the date at the top.”
• “By convention, we italicise book titles.”
• “Breaking the convention of a happy ending shocked readers.”

Good to know

convention = accepted practice. also: a conference. adjective: conventional.

Near in meaning

custom

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