Word
norm
US/ˈnɔɹm/
UK/nˈɔːm/
Definitions
01social standard
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a rule or way of behaving that most people in a group follow and expect.
n. a standard or pattern of social behavior that is accepted or expected within a particular group or community.
“In some cultures, it is the norm to take off your shoes before entering a house.”
“Sociologists study how cultural norms evolve over time, particularly in response to rapid technological changes that disrupt traditional social interactions.”
Usage
Often used in the plural 'norms' when discussing cultural expectations.
Synonyms
02typical situation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. something that is usual, typical, or expected.
n. a situation or level of performance that is typical or average for a particular group.
“Working late every night has unfortunately become the norm at this office.”
“The mild temperatures recorded this winter are well above the seasonal norm for this region of the country.”
Antonyms
03mathematical length
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. a rule used to calculate the length or size of a vector.
n. a function that assigns a strictly positive length or size to each vector in a vector space.
“The professor explained how to calculate the norm of a vector in three-dimensional space.”
“In linear algebra, the Euclidean norm provides the standard distance from the origin to a given point in space.”
04to assign a standard
C2 · Proficiency Mathematics Technical
v. to set a standard for something or to give a mathematical space a rule for length.
v. to normalize or to endow a mathematical structure, such as a vector space, with a norm.
“The researchers had to norm the data before they could compare the two different groups.”
“The mathematician demonstrated how to norm the vector space using a non-standard metric to achieve the desired convergence properties.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “norm” in context.
Adjective
01. different norm
“Every culture has a different norm when it comes to greeting strangers.”
adj + noun
02. social norm
“Shaking hands when you meet someone is a common social norm in many countries.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“It is a footballing norm to have wise heads around to protect young players.” “In the week ending 28 June, rainfall was nearly 2,000% higher than the historical norm.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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