conventional

adjective con·ven·tion·al \kən-ˈvench-nəl, -ˈven(t)-shə-n^əl\

: used and accepted by most people : usual or traditional

: of a kind that has been around for a long time and is considered to be usual or typical

: common and ordinary : not unusual

Full Definition of CONVENTIONAL

: formed by agreement or compact

a : according with, sanctioned by, or based on convention

b : lacking originality or individuality : trite

c (1) : ordinary, commonplace (2) : nonnuclear 1 <conventional warfare>

a : according with a mode of artistic representation that simplifies or provides symbols or substitutes for natural forms

b : of traditional design

: of, resembling, or relating to a convention, assembly, or public meeting

— con·ven·tion·al·ism \-nə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

— con·ven·tion·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective

— con·ven·tion·al·i·za·tion \-ˌvench-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌven(t)-shə-nə-\ noun

— con·ven·tion·al·ize \-ˈvench-nə-ˌlīz, -ˈven(t)-shə-nə-\ transitive verb

— con·ven·tion·al·ly adverb

See conventional defined for English-language learners

See conventional defined for kids

First Known Use of CONVENTIONAL

15th century

Related to CONVENTIONAL

Synonyms: current, customary, going, popular, prevailing, prevalent, standard, stock, usual

Antonyms: nonstandard, unconventional, unpopular, unusual

Synonym Discussion of CONVENTIONAL

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms. ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies <a ceremonial offering>, ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony <made his ceremonious entrance>. formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior <a formal report> <the headmaster's formal manner>. conventional implies accord with general custom and usage <conventional courtesy> and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence <conventional fiction>.