convention
gb/kənvˈɛnʃən/ us/kənvˈɛnʃən/
B1
English
~ 2000
szokás, konvenció, konferencia, kongresszus, találkozó, egyezmény
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] follows [a convention]
It’s a social convention to shake hands when greeting someone.
Társadalmi szokás, hogy üdvözléskor kezet fogunk.
The company follows the usual conventions for formal meetings.
A cég a hivatalos megbeszélések szokásos szabályait követi.
Wearing black at funerals is a long-standing convention in many countries.
Learner examples
It is a convention to take off your shoes before entering the house.
Szokás levenni a cipőt, mielőtt belépünk a házba.
In my country, it is a convention to bow when you meet someone.
Az én országomban az a szokás, hogy meghajolunk, amikor találkozunk valakivel.
Shaking hands is a common convention at work.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'convention' with 'conference'; 'convention' can mean a meeting, but its most common meaning is a general custom or practice.
Meaning
widely accepted custom or practice
Collocations
social convention
|traditional convention
|follow convention
|break convention
Synonyms
custom (Refers to a traditional way of doing things, often specific to a culture.)
|
norm (Suggests an expected standard of behavior in a society.)
Antonyms
innovation (Represents a new way of doing things rather than following established patterns.)
Themes
society
|culture
|etiquette
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Definition
A usual and accepted way of doing things in a group or society.
A generally accepted way of behaving or doing something that is common in a particular society or group.
NOUN
B1
2
Usage pattern:
attend [a convention]
Thousands of fans attended the comic book convention.
Több ezer rajongó vett részt a képregényes találkozón.
The political party held its national convention last week.
A politikai párt múlt héten tartotta országos kongresszusát.
She gave a speech at the annual teachers’ convention.
Learner examples
I went to a science fiction convention last month.
A múlt hónapban elmentem egy sci-fi találkozóra.
The company has a big convention every year.
A cég minden évben nagy konferenciát rendez.
Many people come from other countries for the convention.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this meaning with 'custom' and use it incorrectly when talking about behavior rather than events.
Meaning
large formal gathering or conference
Collocations
annual convention
|political convention
|trade convention
|attend a convention
Synonyms
conference (A formal meeting, often smaller or more specialized than a large-scale convention.)
|
gathering (A more general term for people coming together, not necessarily formal.)
Antonyms
private meeting (A small, often informal meeting between few people instead of a large organized event.)
Themes
business
|events
|communication
Definition
A big meeting for people who have the same job or interest.
A large formal meeting where people with the same profession, interest, or organization gather to discuss topics and share information.
NOUN
B2
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
sign [a convention]
The Geneva Conventions set the standards for humanitarian treatment in war.
A genfi egyezmények rögzítik a háború idején követendő humanitárius bánásmód normáit.
Several nations signed the climate change convention.
Több ország aláírta az éghajlatváltozásról szóló egyezményt.
The UN is working on a new convention to protect endangered species.
Learner examples
Many countries signed the peace convention.
Sok ország aláírta a békeegyezményt.
The leaders met to make a new convention.
A vezetők találkoztak, hogy új egyezményt kössenek.
The countries agreed to follow the rules of the convention.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'conference', but here it refers to an agreement, not a meeting.
Meaning
formal treaty or agreement
Collocations
international convention
|sign a convention
|UN convention
Synonyms
treaty (A formal and binding agreement between states, often broader in scope.)
|
pact (An agreement that may be less formal or shorter than a full treaty.)
Antonyms
violation (Breaking the terms of an agreement rather than making one.)
Themes
law
|politics
Definition
An official agreement between countries or groups.
A formal agreement between countries or organizations on particular matters, especially in international law.
Grammar
Dictionary form
convention
IPA
GB/kənvˈɛnʃən/
US/kənvˈɛnʃən/
Syllables & stress
con - ven - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ven)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: convention
- Plural: convention, conventions
Word family
Forms
conventions
noun
Core family
conventional
adjective B1
conventionally
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unconventional
adjective B2
unconventionally
adverb
Advanced or less common
conventionality
noun
Expressions
by convention
1/bˈaɪ kənvˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
according to usual practice
In the way that is generally accepted or done by most people.
Examples
- By convention, the chairman speaks last.
- By convention, the bride stands to the left of the groom.
call a convention
1/kˈɔl ə kənvˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
arrange an official gathering
To arrange for an official large meeting of members of an organization or group.
Examples
- The party leaders decided to call a convention to discuss policy changes.
- They will call a convention next month to vote on the proposal.