conventional

con·ven·tion·al

adjective \kən-ˈvench-nəl, -ˈven(t)-shə-n^əl\

Definition of CONVENTIONAL

1

: formed by agreement or compact

2

a : according with, sanctioned by, or based on convention

b : lacking originality or individuality : trite

c (1) : ordinary, commonplace (2) : nonnuclear 1 <conventional warfare>

3

a : according with a mode of artistic representation that simplifies or provides symbols or substitutes for natural forms

b : of traditional design

4

: of, resembling, or relating to a convention, assembly, or public meeting

— con·ven·tion·al·ism \-nə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

— con·ven·tion·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective

— con·ven·tion·al·i·za·tion \-ˌvench-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌven(t)-shə-nə-\ noun

— con·ven·tion·al·ize \-ˈvench-nə-ˌlīz, -ˈven(t)-shə-nə-\ transitive verb

— con·ven·tion·al·ly adverb

Examples of CONVENTIONAL

1. The number sign is the conventional symbol for labeling something measured in pounds.
2. While microwaves heat up food more quickly, most food tastes better when it is cooked in a conventional oven.
3. Most of her books are conventional detective stories.
4. His views on dating are more conventional than those of some of his friends.

First Known Use of CONVENTIONAL

15th century

Related to CONVENTIONAL

Synonyms

current, customary, going, popular, prevailing, prevalent, standard, stock, usual

Antonyms

nonstandard, unconventional, unpopular, unusual

Related Words

average, common, everyday, normal, ordinary; regular, routine; epidemic, ubiquitous, universal, widespread; accustomed, wonted; fashionable, in, modish, stylish

Near Antonyms

abnormal, exceptional, extraordinary, uncommon

See Synonym Discussion at ceremonial

Rhymes with CONVENTIONAL

ascensional, dimensional, extensional, intensional, intentional