conventionalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “conventionalize” mean?
To make something follow established customs, rules, or styles, often by simplifying or removing unique features.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something follow established customs, rules, or styles, often by simplifying or removing unique features.
To represent something in a stylized or symbolic form rather than a realistic one; to bring something into line with prevailing norms or conventions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The '-ise' ending is standard in UK English, while '-ize' is standard in US English. UK English also accepts '-ize' in many formal/oed-based contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British academic/art criticism. In American usage, may appear more in technical/sociological contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects. More likely encountered in written texts than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “conventionalize” in a Sentence
[Subject] conventionalizes [Object][Object] is conventionalized (by [Subject])It is conventional (for [Subject]) to [Verb Phrase] (often used with 'to' + infinitive in related adjective form)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conventionalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Early Celtic artists sought to conventionalise natural forms into intricate knotwork.
- The protocol has been heavily conventionalised over decades of diplomatic use.
American English
- Over time, the greeting gesture became conventionalized and lost its original religious meaning.
- Critics argue that the film industry conventionalizes complex social issues into simplistic narratives.
adjective
British English
- The depiction of trees in medieval tapestry is highly conventionalised.
- They communicated through a series of conventionalised gestures.
American English
- The flowers on the ceramic plate had a conventionalized, almost geometric appearance.
- A handshake is a conventionalized form of greeting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might refer to standardizing processes or presentations to fit industry norms.
Academic
Common in linguistics, anthropology, art history, and sociology to discuss how practices or symbols become standardized within a culture.
Everyday
Very rare. Unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in semiotics, art criticism, and social sciences to describe the process of symbols losing direct reference and becoming agreed-upon signs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conventionalize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conventionalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conventionalize”
- Misspelling: 'conventionalise' (UK) vs. 'conventionalize' (US).
- Using it as a synonym for 'to agree' or 'to meet'.
- Confusing with 'to conventionalise' (less common variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct, depending on the variety. 'Conventionalize' is standard in American English. 'Conventionalise' is standard in British English, though many UK publishers (following Oxford style) also accept '-ize'.
'Standardize' focuses on establishing a uniform technical specification or measure. 'Conventionalize' is broader, referring to making something align with social, artistic, or cultural norms, often involving stylization.
It can imply a loss of originality, authenticity, or naturalness when something unique is forced into a common mould. The connotation depends on context; in technical descriptions, it is often neutral.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily used in academic, artistic, and technical writing. It is unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
To make something follow established customs, rules, or styles, often by simplifying or removing unique features.
Conventionalize is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Conventionalize: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈvɛnʃ(ə)nəˌlʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈvɛnʃ(ə)nəˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONVENTION (a large meeting with rules) and imagine putting something (-IZE) into that box of rules. To CONVENTION-ALIZE it.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A MOULD (shaping unique things into standard forms).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate meaning of 'conventionalize' in an art history context?