I. -chən ə l, -chnəl adjective
Etymology: Late Latin conventionalis, from Latin convention-, conventio convention + -alis -al
1.
a. : based on, settled by, or formed by agreement or compact : stipulated , contractual — compare judicial , legal
conventional services reserved by tenures upon grants, made out of the crown or knights' service — Matthew Hale
b. : conventionary
2.
a. : according with, sanctioned by, conforming to, or based on convention, custom, or traditional usages or attitudes
a skillful … journalist, conventional and conformist except in a strong bent toward liberal humanitarianism — H.S.Canby
: established and sanctioned by general agreement and usage : traditional
it has been conventional to regard the Horites as a legendary race of cave dwellers — E.W.K.Mould
b.
(1) : lacking spontaneity, originality, or individuality : trite
to distinguish … that which is organic, animated, expressive, from that which is only conventional , derivative, inexpressive — Walter Pater
a politician of small vision and conventional mind — New Republic
(2) : commonly encountered, observed, or performed : commonplace , ordinary , usual
dead-alive, hackneyed people … scarcely conscious of living except in the exercise of some conventional occupation — R.L.Stevenson
c.
(1) : in accordance with a mode of artistic representation that simplifies or provides symbols or substitutes for natural forms : abstract
(2) : based on a convention and depending for effectiveness or understanding on recognition of the convention
a conventional bid in bridge indicating extraordinary strength in one suit
(3) : of traditional design
silver having a conventional pattern
(4) of a playing card back : bearing a symmetrical nonpictorial design
3. : of, like, or relating to a convention, assembly, or public meeting
Synonyms: see ceremonial
II. adjective
: not making use of nuclear weapons : nonnuclear
conventional warfare