Conventions: meaning, definitions and examples

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conventions

[kənˈvɛnʃənz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

social behavior

Conventions are generally accepted norms or standards of behavior in a particular social group or society. They are often unwritten rules that dictate how people should act or behave in various situations.

Synonyms

customs, norms, traditions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
conventions	This seems to be a duplicate of the previous word. Please clarify if there is a need to re-evaluate the context for a second occurrence of the same word or if this was an error.
customs	Refers to traditional practices or behaviors that are specific to a certain group, ethnicity, or community, usually passed down through generations. It connotes more cultural or regional specificity. In many cultures, it is the custom to remove your shoes before entering a home. The customs of the village have been preserved for centuries.
traditions	Refers to practices, beliefs, or occurrences that are passed down within a society or family, often holding a significant historical or cultural importance. Used when referring to long-standing and revered practices. Christmas dinner is a tradition in our household. One of the traditions of the festival is to light candles at dusk.
norms	Describes shared standards, rules, or guidelines for behavior among members of a particular group or society. Often used in sociological or psychological contexts. Social norms dictate that we shake hands when we meet someone new. Breaking the norms can sometimes lead to social ostracism.

Examples of usage

Social conventions dictate that you should shake hands when meeting someone for the first time.
It is a convention to say 'please' and 'thank you' in polite conversation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

agreement

Conventions can also refer to formal agreements or treaties between countries or organizations. These conventions are legally binding and outline specific rules or regulations that parties must follow.

Synonyms

accords, agreements, treaties.

Examples of usage

The Geneva Conventions set out rules for the treatment of prisoners of war.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child outlines the rights of children worldwide.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

arts and entertainment

In the arts and entertainment industry, conventions are large gatherings or conferences where fans, creators, and industry professionals come together to celebrate a particular genre or medium.

Synonyms

conferences, expos, gatherings.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
conventions	Formal large meetings or assemblies, often of people who belong to a particular profession or share a specific interest. The annual science fiction convention attracted thousands of fans. Teachers from all over the country attended the educational convention.
conferences	Large-scale meetings where experts discuss specific topics, share research, and provide training. Often used in professional, academic, or technical settings. She presented her research findings at the medical conference. The marketing team attended a digital marketing conference to learn the latest trends.
expos	Large public events where companies and organizations display their products or services, usually to promote their goods and interact directly with customers. The tech expo showcased the latest innovations in consumer electronics. Visitors at the food expo could sample products from various local vendors.
gatherings	Informal or small to medium-sized meetings where people come together for social, cultural, or common interest reasons. Can range from casual social events to more structured assemblies. They had a small family gathering to celebrate the holidays. Local activists organized a community gathering to discuss environmental issues.

Examples of usage

I'm going to a comic book convention this weekend to meet my favorite artists.
The annual film convention attracts filmmakers from around the world.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'conventio', meaning 'coming together.' This reflects the idea of agreeing on common rules.
It first appeared in the English language in the early 15th century, primarily in contexts involving gatherings or agreements.

Cultural Significance

Conventions can vary widely from culture to culture, shaping social behavior and expectations. For example, bowing is a common greeting in Japan, while handshakes are more common in the West.
Many cultural events, such as comic cons and academic conferences, are called conventions where fans or professionals gather to celebrate shared interests.

Literature

In storytelling, conventions refer to the standard practices authors use, such as character archetypes or plot structures. These help readers understand and connect with stories.
The concept of literary conventions, like the 'unreliable narrator,' challenges readers to question the truth, engaging them more deeply with the text.

Social Behavior

Everyday interactions are filled with conventions, such as the norms of polite conversation, which can differ before meals or in professional versus casual settings.
Breaking social conventions can lead to surprise or discomfort, demonstrating how rules help maintain harmony in communications.

Technology

In programming, coding conventions are essential to maintain readable and efficient code, allowing teams to collaborate successfully on projects.
File naming conventions help organize digital files in a way that is easy for everyone to follow, preventing confusion and improving teamwork.

Translations

Translations of the word "conventions" in other languages:

🇵🇹 convenções

🇮🇳 सम्मेलनों

🇩🇪 Konventionen

🇮🇩 konvensi

🇺🇦 конвенції

угоди
звичаї

🇵🇱 konwencje

🇯🇵 慣習

🇫🇷 conventions

🇪🇸 convenciones

🇹🇷 konvansiyonlar

🇰🇷 관습

🇸🇦 اتفاقيات

🇨🇿 konvence

🇸🇰 konvencie

🇨🇳 惯例

🇸🇮 konvencije

🇮🇸 samningar

🇰🇿 конвенциялар

🇬🇪 კონვენციები

🇦🇿 konvensiyalar

🇲🇽 convenciones

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,801 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5798 proving
5799 inhibition
5800 opponents
5801 conventions
5802 football
5803 lend
5804 utilize
...