English Reference
Adverb

conventionally

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /kənˈvɛnʃənəɫi/ UK /kənvˈɛnʃənəli/ con·ven·tion·al·ly

adv.in a way that follows the usual or traditional rules of a society. You use this when someone does things in the normal, expected way.

adv.in a manner that conforms to established standards, traditions, or social norms. Often used to contrast traditional methods with innovative or unusual ones.


SIMPLE

She was conventionally dressed for the formal dinner.

CONTEXTUAL

The house was conventionally built with bricks and mortar, unlike the experimental glass structures nearby.

COMPLEX

While the artist was conventionally trained in classical techniques, her later work broke every established rule of perspective and color theory.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective or past participle it modifies.

Rather than try to keep up with her more conventionally talented competitors, she entered the Olympics on her own terms.

The Guardian· 1 Sept 2026

Yet international conventions written for conventionally crewed ships do not clearly establish whether remote operators receive the same legal protections as masters, crew members and pilots.

Phys.org· 21 Aug 2026

From conventional + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated