Conventional: Definition & Meaning for the SAT
⚡️ CONVENTIONAL most nearly means: (A) convenient; (B) controversial; (C) traditional; (D) conversational. 👉 Answer + examples, pronunciation, and explanation inside.
📣 TL;DR: Conventional means following established customs or accepted standards. This one is important, and a lot of my students are unfamiliar with the word. The related word convention (kind of like tradition) is also important.
ℹ️ Part of Speech of Conventional
conventional is an ADJECTIVE.
🗣️ Pronunciation of Conventional
conventional is pronounced /kənˈvɛn.ʃən.əl/ or kuhn-VEN-shuhn-uhl.
📚️ Definition of Conventional
Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed; following accepted customs, standards, or established practices. Example: She chose a conventional white wedding dress instead of the bright red one.
📰 Examples of Conventional
Here are some examples of the word conventional:
While most of his friends pursued conventional 9-to-5 jobs, Sparcus started a successful Korean taco truck business that let him travel the state.
The architect's design broke from conventional rectangular buildings.
My grandmother insists on conventional thank-you notes written by hand, but seems to accept that others will just send a quick text.
"The conventional view serves to protect us from the painful job of thinking." — John Kenneth Galbraith
✅ Quiz answer
Answer to the question above:
C, traditional. Explanations: A doesn't work; convenient means easy or suitable, not following customs. B could describe something that causes disagreement or debate. D means relating to conversation or informal talk, which has nothing to do with following standards.