Words / B1

k-uh-n-VENSH-uh-nl/kənˈvenʃənl/

Conventional means following the usual way: conventional medicine; conventional wisdom; a conventional oven (not a microwave). Traditional often points to culture and the past; ordinary means not special. Unconventional is the opposite and often positive in arts. Convention is the noun for a custom or a large meeting — do not use conventional for “comfortable” or “easy.”

Meaning

Following the usual way of doing things; traditional rather than new.

Examples

• “He prefers conventional teaching methods.”
• “He chose a conventional career in accountancy.”
• “The design looks conventional next to her later work.”

Good to know

conventional wisdom / medicine / methods. Opposite: unconventional. Culture / past: traditional. Not special: ordinary.

Near in meaning

traditional

New