conventionalism

[ kuhn-ven-shuh-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. adherence to or advocacy of conventional attitudes or practices.
2. something conventional, as an expression or attitude.
3. Philosophy. the view that fundamental principles are validated by definition, agreement, or convention.

Other Words From

• anti·con·vention·al·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conventionalism¹

First recorded in 1825–35; conventional + -ism

Example Sentences

This opens up the whole question of realism versus conventionalism in art—a subject much too large to be treated here.

From Project Gutenberg

The old conventionalism has now altogether disappeared; there is an attempt to paint nature as she really is.

From Project Gutenberg

The rules of conventionalism have reared an adamantine partition wall between the two.

From Project Gutenberg

In the chapter on Industrial Exemption and Conservatism we are introduced to the reason of conventionalism and of its power.

From Project Gutenberg

His dislike of the effete conventionalism of the literary creed blended with his aversion to the political rule of the time.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accuracy
• austerity
• difficulty
• firmness
• hardship
• harshness
• ordeal
• precision
• rigidity
• tenacity
• tribulation
• vicissitude