conditional convergence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “conditional convergence” mean?
A theory in economics that poorer economies will grow faster than richer ones only if certain conditions are met, narrowing the income gap.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theory in economics that poorer economies will grow faster than richer ones only if certain conditions are met, narrowing the income gap.
In mathematics, a sequence or series that converges only when specific additional conditions are applied. More broadly, any process of coming together or reaching agreement that is dependent on external factors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'analyse' vs. 'analyze').
Connotations
Neutral, technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to academic/technical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “conditional convergence” in a Sentence
[The theory/hypothesis] of conditional convergence suggests/proposes/argues that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conditional convergence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Economies may conditionally converge under specific institutional frameworks.
- The series does not conditionally converge without that parameter.
American English
- The model predicts countries will conditionally converge if policies are similar.
- These functions can conditionally converge given the right bounds.
adjective
British English
- The conditional-convergence hypothesis is central to modern growth theory.
- They observed a conditional-convergence effect in the data.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, possibly in high-level strategic reports discussing global market trends or long-term economic forecasts.
Academic
Primary context. Used in economics (growth theory) and mathematics (analysis) papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in specific economic and mathematical discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conditional convergence”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conditional convergence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conditional convergence”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a conditional converge theory'). Always a compound noun. Misapplying it outside its technical domains.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Catching up' is a general idea. Conditional convergence is a specific economic theory that explains under what precise conditions catching up is expected to occur.
It is highly unlikely and would sound very technical. It is almost exclusively for academic or professional discussions in economics or mathematics.
Typically, it requires economies to have similar structural characteristics or 'fundamentals', such as savings rates, population growth, and production technologies.
Absolute convergence suggests all economies will eventually reach the same income level. Conditional convergence suggests they will only converge to their own specific steady-state level, which differs based on their unique conditions.
A theory in economics that poorer economies will grow faster than richer ones only if certain conditions are met, narrowing the income gap.
Conditional convergence is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Conditional convergence: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl kənˈvɜː.dʒəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl kənˈvɝː.dʒəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two runners. One is far behind. Conditional convergence is the idea he'll only catch up IF he has good shoes, training, and a clear track (the conditions).
Conceptual Metaphor
CATCHING UP IS CONDITIONAL (Economics); COMING TOGETHER IS DEPENDENT (General).
Practice
Quiz
In which academic field is 'conditional convergence' a central theoretical concept?