convention

A way of behaving or doing something that a group generally accepts.

• She challenged a social convention.
• By convention, guests wait to be seated.
• The artist broke with convention by painting on glass.

How to use it: by convention (By convention, the oldest member speaks first.)

Similar words: custom, practice, tradition, norm

Common phrases: social convention, by convention, break with convention

A large organized meeting for people who share a job, interest, or purpose.

• The convention starts on Friday.
• Hundreds of fans attended the comic convention.
• Our hotel hosted a convention for doctors.

Similar words: conference, gathering, assembly

Common phrases: annual convention, party convention, attend a convention, hold a convention

An official agreement between countries about particular rules or rights.

• Both countries signed the convention.
• The convention protects the rights of children.
• These actions violated an international convention.

How to use it: convention on something (Several countries signed a convention on wildlife protection.)

Similar words: treaty, agreement, accord

Common phrases: international convention, sign a convention, convention on something, ratify a convention