What does “convention” mean?
- 1
nouna large formal meeting of people from a profession or group
Thousands attended the annual comic book convention.
- 2
nounthe usual or accepted way of behaving or doing something
By convention, the bride’s family pays for the wedding.
- 3
nouna formal agreement between countries
The Geneva Convention protects prisoners of war.
Convention at a glance
- Part of speech
- noun
- CEFR level
- C1 (advanced)
- Pronunciation
- /kənˈvɛnʃən/ · kun-VEN-shun
How to use “convention” correctly
“Conventional” means ordinary or traditional, often slightly negative: “a conventional approach”.
Common phrases with “convention”
- by convention
- social convention
- convention center
- break with convention
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- conference
- custom
- treaty
Word family
- conventional
- unconventional
“convention” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- accord nounC1a formal agreement between countries or groups
- advocate nounC1a person who publicly supports a cause or speaks for others
- aide nounC1a person who helps someone important, especially a politician, in their work
- chamber nounC1a large room used for formal meetings, or a group that meets there
- commission nounC1an official group given the job of investigating or controlling something
- decree nounC1an official order given by a ruler or government that has the force of law
- proceeding nounC1(plural) a legal action taken against someone in court
- rider nounC1a person who rides a horse, bicycle or motorcycle