English Reference

Word

norma

Phoneticsnor·ma

/ˈnɔɹmə/

Definition

n. a standard or rule that people in a group are expected to follow. It is the usual way of doing things that most people think is normal.

n. a standard, rule, or pattern of social behaviour that is typical or expected within a group. Often used to describe the unwritten rules that govern social interaction.

Usage

Frequently used in the plural ('norms') when discussing cultural or societal expectations.

Pitfall

the norm of the society

the social norm

While 'norm of society' is grammatically possible, 'social norm' or 'societal norm' are the much more common and natural-sounding collocations.

Etymology

Coined name of an imaginary Celtic priestess in Bellini's opera Norma (1831). Sometimes explained as Latin norma (“pattern, model”), or as a feminine form of Norman.

Named by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in 1763. From Latin norma (“a carpenter's square”).

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

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference