conventionalize

[ kuhn-ven-shuh-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, con·ven·tion·al·ized, con·ven·tion·al·iz·ing.

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)

Derived Forms

• conˌventionaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• con·vention·al·i·zation 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.

From New York Times

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

From Scientific American

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pigeonhole