Words / B2

NORM/nɔːm/

A norm is the usual accepted standard: the norm, social norms, above the norm. Normal is the adjective; average is more statistical; custom is a traditional practice. In academic and news English, norms can be unwritten rules. In speech, what people usually do is enough. Do not use a norm for a written law (that is a law or a regulation), and do not confuse it with name.

Meaning

The usual or accepted way of behaving or of doing something.

Examples

• “Working from home two days a week is now the norm in this office.”
• “Two days in the office is now the norm, not a special favour.”
• “The paper examined gender norms in job adverts, which is the social-science sense.”

Good to know

the norm; social norms. Adjective: normal. Statistic: average. Written rule: law / regulation. Academic tone.

Near in meaning

standard

New