Reading Theme:
Convention: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：accepted custom (convention)
convention
/kənˈven.ʃən/
n.
A way of behaving, doing things, or a rule that is widely accepted and followed in a society.
accepted custom
➕
/əkˈsep.tɪd ˈkʌs.təm/
n.
An unwritten rule, practice, or way of behaving that is widely accepted and followed by members of a society or group.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'con-' (together) + '-vent-' (come) + '-ion' (noun suffix). Literally 'a coming together'.
💡 Mnemonic
People CONverge at a VENue to follow a common ION (practice).
📖 Example
Wearing a suit to a job interview is just a social convention, but it shows respect.
It is an accepted social custom to wear a suit for a job interview to demonstrate respect.
🔗 Collocations
social convention – A norm governing behavior in social interactions.
break with convention – To act in a way that defies established norms.
follow convention – To behave according to accepted norms.
🔄 Synonyms
custom (n.) – A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving specific to a society or place.
tradition (n.) – A belief or behavior passed down within a group with symbolic meaning or origins in the past.
norm (n.) – A standard or pattern, especially of social behavior, that is typical or expected.
🚫 Antonyms
rebellion (n.) – An act of violent or open resistance against an established practice or authority.
deviation (n.) – A departure from an established course, norm, or standard.
nonconformity (n.) – The failure or refusal to conform to a prevailing rule, practice, or belief.
🌱 Derivatives
conventional (adj.) – Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed.
unconventional (adj.) – Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.
📖 Cultural Story
The word comes from Latin 'conventio' meaning 'a meeting, agreement', via Old French. It originally referred to the act of assembling or an agreement formed by such an assembly, later expanding to mean customary practice arising from collective agreement.
Meaning 2：large formal meeting (convention)
convention
/kənˈven.ʃən/
n.
A large formal meeting of people who share the same interest or work in the same industry.
large formal meeting
➕
/lɑːrdʒ ˈfɔːr.məl ˈmiː.tɪŋ/
n.
A large formal meeting or conference of people who share a common interest or profession, often held regularly.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The annual tech convention in the city attracts thousands of developers and innovators from around the world.
The yearly large formal technology meeting in the city draws a global crowd of thousands of developers and innovators.
🔗 Collocations
annual convention – A large formal meeting that happens once every year.
trade convention – A large meeting for businesses in a specific industry to showcase products and network.
host a convention – To organize and provide the facilities for a large formal meeting.
🔄 Synonyms
conference (n.) – A formal meeting for discussion, often on a particular topic and involving many participants.
assembly (n.) – A group of people gathered together in one place for a common purpose.
gathering (n.) – An assembly or meeting, especially a social or celebratory one.
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