Convention is a commonly misspelled word that refers to a large formal assembly of people. The word is spelled with the letter "t" after "n", which is a pronunciation quirk that can cause difficulties for many English speakers. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of convention is /kənˈvɛnʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by a stressed "v" and ending with the "sh" sound of the letters "-tion". By understanding the correct spelling and pronunciation of the word, you can avoid common errors while communicating effectively.
Convention is a noun that refers to a widely accepted practice or custom that is followed by a particular group or society. It is a traditional or customary way of behaving or doing things that is generally agreed upon within a culture or community. Conventions can encompass a wide range of areas, including social, cultural, political, or professional spheres.
In social and cultural contexts, conventions are the unspoken rules or norms that guide people's behavior in different social situations. These conventions dictate the way individuals interact, greet each other, express emotions, or adhere to specific etiquette. For example, shaking hands as a greeting is a common convention in many Western societies.
In the political realm, conventions are gatherings or conferences where representatives from different organizations, groups, or nations come together to discuss, negotiate, or decide on matters of mutual interest. These conventions often result in agreements, treaties, or protocols that aim to regulate activities or settle disputes. For instance, the Geneva Conventions establish rules for the humanitarian treatment of individuals during armed conflicts.
In a professional context, conventions refer to formal meetings, conferences, or exhibitions where experts, practitioners, or enthusiasts of a particular field gather to exchange knowledge, ideas, and showcase innovations. These conventions provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and collaboration.
Overall, conventions are established standards, customs, or practices that serve as guidelines for appropriate behavior, interaction, or decision-making within a specific community or context.
An assembly, particularly of delegates or representatives; an agreement made at a public assembly; an agreement made before a treaty or between the commanders of two hostile armies.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word convention comes from the Latin word conventio, which is derived from the verb convenire. In Latin, convenire means to come together or to gather.