What does "conventional" mean?

1. (traditional or standard) following the way most people do things or the way things have been done for a long time. 2. (non-nuclear weapons) describing weapons or war that do not use nuclear, chemical, or biological power. 3. (standard farming) describing farming that uses standard chemicals and pesticides rather than organic methods. 4. (fixed-rate bond) a type of government bond that pays a fixed amount of interest until it is finished.

conventional

adj. · n.

US //kənˈvɛnʃənəɫ// UK //kənvˈɛnʃənəl// con·ven·tion·al

1 traditional or standard (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

following the way most people do things or the way things have been done for a long time.

conforming to established standards of behaviour, belief, or practice; often implies a lack of original or experimental thought.

Example

She decided to have a conventional wedding with a white dress and a large cake.

Example

While his peers experimented with digital media, the artist remained committed to conventional oil painting techniques developed in the nineteenth century.
2 non-nuclear weapons (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical

describing weapons or war that do not use nuclear, chemical, or biological power.

referring to weapons or warfare that do not involve weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear capabilities.

Example

The treaty only covers conventional weapons like tanks and rifles.

Example

Military analysts expressed concern that a prolonged conventional conflict could eventually escalate into a tactical nuclear exchange.
- non nuclear
- traditional
- nuclear
- atomic

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3 standard farming (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Agriculture

describing farming that uses standard chemicals and pesticides rather than organic methods.

denoting a system of agriculture that employs synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides as opposed to organic or regenerative practices.

Example

Conventional apples are usually cheaper than the organic ones at this supermarket.

Example

The transition from conventional to organic farming requires a three-year period during which no prohibited synthetic substances may be applied to the land.
- non organic
- organic
4 fixed-rate bond (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical British English Finance

a type of government bond that pays a fixed amount of interest until it is finished.

a gilt-edged security that pays a fixed coupon at regular intervals until maturity, distinct from index-linked bonds.

Example

The investor decided to put his money into a conventional rather than an index-linked bond.

Example

Institutional investors often prefer conventionals when inflation is expected to remain low, as the fixed coupon provides a predictable income stream.
- bond
- security
- index linked

Origin

From convention + -al.

Word family

Adjectiveconventional
Adverbconventionally