Convention Meaning
Convention Definition & Usage
A widely accepted practice, standard, or custom that is followed by a group, community, or society.
Examples
- "It's common convention to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time."
- "In some cultures, it’s a convention to remove your shoes before entering a home."
- "The convention of tipping at restaurants is standard in many countries."
- "There are specific conventions for writing academic papers that must be followed."
- "The convention of sending holiday cards has become less popular in the digital age."
A formal meeting, gathering, or assembly of people, often for professional, academic, or political purposes.
Examples
- "The tech convention in San Francisco attracted thousands of industry leaders."
- "He attended a political convention to learn about the latest policies."
- "The convention center was filled with booths showcasing new products."
- "The annual convention of historians is being held in Oxford this year."
- "At the convention, speakers from various fields gave presentations on their latest research."
Cultural Context
The word 'convention' originates from the Latin word 'conventio,' meaning 'coming together' or 'agreement.' It is used both in a social context to refer to societal norms and in a formal sense for meetings and events.
The Convention of Change
Story
The Convention of Change
It was the first time that Julia had attended a convention of this size. The International Digital Marketing Convention was being held at the sprawling conference center in the heart of the city. As she walked into the venue, the sheer scale of the event was overwhelming. Hundreds of attendees filled the halls, exchanging business cards, discussing new trends, and listening to expert speakers on the main stage. Julia had heard a lot about conventions, but this one felt different. It wasn’t just about the business connections or the workshops. There was a shared understanding among everyone there—a common convention of open-mindedness and collaboration. Julia, a recent graduate, had always been told that networking was important, but here, it was more than that. It was about building relationships with like-minded people and discussing ideas that could shape the future of the industry. As she settled into a seat for one of the panel discussions, she overheard two seasoned marketers debating the convention of paid advertisements on social media platforms. 'It’s a convention in our industry now,' said one. 'You can’t escape it. If you want to succeed, you need to pay for visibility.' The other disagreed, arguing that organic growth through content was the real future. 'The industry is shifting, and this convention—paid ads—may soon be outdated.' Julia smiled, realizing that the very idea of convention was being questioned here. After the session, she attended a networking lunch, where the convention of exchanging business cards was in full swing. Everyone seemed to know exactly what to do. Julia was new to this, unsure of how to approach people. But she soon realized that the convention of polite introductions and small talk was universal. She found herself talking to a senior executive from a leading company who shared her interest in digital storytelling. Despite the difference in their positions, they both understood the importance of the convention of mutual respect. By the end of the day, Julia had made several valuable connections, and the idea of convention had taken on new meanings for her. Not only was it about established practices in business, but also about how new ideas could challenge the status quo. She left the convention center feeling invigorated, realizing that conventions are not just about what is, but also about what could be.
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