Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or process of making something conventional: "Conventionalisation" refers to the action of causing something to conform to established conventions, norms, or accepted styles.
   • The state of being made conventional: It can also describe the resulting condition where something has been adapted to fit conventional standards.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The conventionalisation of artistic forms often occurs as a movement becomes mainstream. (The process of making artistic forms follow established norms often happens as a movement becomes mainstream.)
  • Linguists study the conventionalisation of new words and phrases in a language. (Linguists study the process by which new words and phrases become standard and accepted in a language.)
  • There is a noticeable conventionalisation in the design of modern smartphones. (There is a noticeable adaptation to a standard, uniform style in the design of modern smartphones.)

Advanced Usage

• In sociology/anthropology: The term is used to describe how behaviors, symbols, or practices become standardized and accepted as the norm within a society or culture.
  • The study focused on the conventionalisation of greeting rituals in urban societies.
• In linguistics/semiotics: It describes the process where a sign (like a word or gesture) loses its original motivated connection and becomes an arbitrary, agreed-upon symbol.
  • The conventionalisation of the "thumbs up" gesture from a specific historical context to a general sign of approval is a key example.

Variants and Related Words

• Conventionalize (verb): To make something conventional.
  • Artists sometimes refuse to conventionalize their style.
• Conventional (adjective): Based on or in accordance with convention.
  • His methods were quite conventional.
• Convention (noun): A way in which something is usually done; a widely accepted practice or custom.
  • It is a social convention to shake hands.

Synonyms

• Standardization: The process of making things conform to a standard.
• Normalization: The process of making something normal or standard.
• Codification: The action or process of arranging laws or rules into a systematic code, often leading to conventional forms.

Antonyms

• Originality: The quality of being novel or unusual.
• Innovation: The action or process of introducing new methods, ideas, or products, which often goes against convention.
• Deviation: The action of departing from an established course or accepted standard.

Noun

1. the act of conventionalizing; conforming to a conventional style