conventionality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “conventionality” mean?
The quality or state of being conventional.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being conventional; rigid adherence to established customs, rules, or forms.
A conventional behaviour, practice, or characteristic; the body of accepted rules or norms in social, artistic, or intellectual contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly higher frequency in British English in formal/academic writing.
Connotations
Similar connotations of social conformity, traditionalism, and potential stifling of creativity in both dialects.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both dialects, found primarily in formal prose, academic texts, and literary criticism.
Grammar
How to Use “conventionality” in a Sentence
the conventionality of [noun phrase][adjective] conventionalityconventionality in [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conventionality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They were conventionalised by their upbringing.
American English
- The process conventionalized the artistic forms.
adverb
British English
- The room was conventionally furnished.
American English
- He responded quite conventionally.
adjective
British English
- His views were disappointingly conventional.
American English
- She wore a conventional business suit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in critiques of corporate culture (e.g., 'The startup rejected the conventionality of the established industry.').
Academic
Common in sociology, art history, and literary theory to analyse norms and traditions.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; appears in discussions about social expectations, fashion, or parenting styles.
Technical
Used in semiotics and linguistics to describe standardised signs or grammatical rules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conventionality”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conventionality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conventionality”
- Misspelling as 'conventiality' (missing 'ion').
- Using as a countable noun when the uncountable sense is intended (e.g., 'He hated the conventionalities' vs. 'He hated conventionality').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically neutral to slightly negative, implying a lack of originality or excessive adherence to tradition. Context determines the strength of the negative connotation.
Rarely. It might be used positively to commend stability or respect for tradition (e.g., 'the reassuring conventionality of the ceremony'), but words like 'tradition' or 'propriety' are more commonly used for positive connotations.
'Convention' is a specific, established practice, rule, or custom (e.g., diplomatic conventions). 'Conventionality' is the abstract quality of being conventional, or the collective body of such conventions.
No, it is less common and somewhat formal. It refers to specific conventional rules or acts, often in phrases like 'the trivial conventionalities of society'.
The quality or state of being conventional.
Conventionality is usually formal in register.
Conventionality: in British English it is pronounced /kənˌven.ʃənˈæl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˌven.ʃənˈæl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “prisoner of conventionality”
- “slave to conventionality”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONVENTION (a standard meeting) + ALITY (a quality) = The quality of following the standard, like everyone at a big, formal meeting.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVENTIONALITY IS A PRISON/CAGE (restricting freedom); CONVENTIONALITY IS A WELL-WORN PATH (predictable, safe).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CLOSEST in meaning to 'conventionality' in the sentence: 'He found the conventionality of office life stifling'?