conventional

Everyday

1. Conventional means usual, ordinary and done the way most people have done it for a long time. tree →
2. A conventional person follows the normal ways and rules and does not like to be different. tree →
3. Conventional weapons, power or farming are the ordinary kinds, not nuclear, new or special ones. tree →

In the lessons

In science and everyday life it contrasts the usual way with a new or different way: conventional ovens and microwaves, conventional cars and electric cars, conventional and organic farming. In stories it describes a character who likes normal, safe choices. Phrases: conventional wisdom, conventional method.

Examples

• We cooked the pizza in a conventional oven. tree →
• Her parents are quite conventional and wear smart clothes to church. tree →
• The artist didn't like conventional paintings and painted with her feet. tree →
• Electric cars are quieter than conventional cars. tree →
• The conventional way to greet someone is to shake hands. tree →
• Our maths teacher showed a quicker method than the conventional one. tree →
• Conventional farming uses chemical sprays. tree →
• Majnun and Laili are conventional names for lovers, the Romeo and Juliet of Hindostan. tree →

Note

Opposites: unconventional, unusual, original. Do not confuse with «convenient» (easy and handy). Related noun: convention (a usual custom; also a big meeting).