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Wordabulary

convention

Pronunciation
Noun B1 Intermediate

Quick answer

A traditional way of doing something that most people accept as normal, or a large formal meeting of people who share an interest.

"It's a social convention to shake hands when you meet someone new."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

custom norm

Usage notes

"Convention" describing a large meeting and "convention" describing a social custom are the same word used in two very different everyday contexts.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "It's a social _____ to shake hands when you meet someone new."

Answer: convention

In your own words, what does "convention" mean?

A traditional way of doing something that most people accept as normal, or a large formal meeting of people who share an interest.

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