conventionalize

especially British, con·ven·tion·al·ise

[kuhn-ven-shuh-nl-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

conventionalized, conventionalizing 

1. to make conventional.

2. Art.,  to represent in a conventional manner.

conventionalize

/ kənˈvɛnʃənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make conventional

2. to simplify or stylize (a design, decorative device, etc)

Other Word Forms

• conventionalization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conventionalize¹

First recorded in 1850–55; conventional + -ize

Example Sentences

“Who Cares” is encumbered by the conventionalizing orchestrations of Hershy Kay, but once it gets going, the interplay between Balanchine’s classical steps and Gershwin’s syncopations is analogous to that between Balanchine and Bach.

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There are displays, often conventionalized within the norms of a culture: displays of power, strength, wealth, beauty, generosity, cleverness, and social status.

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The head of a lion, or indeed of any beast, bird or monster, is generally painted as “razed,” or torn away with a ragged edge which is pleasantly conventionalized.

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In them the real St. Francis is conventionalized and much obscured.

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The decoration of this house is most interesting—a conventionalized Magnolia, and the garden is surrounded with splendid Magnolias and Crape Myrtles.

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Related Words

• pigeonhole