WordValenorm
a standard or typical pattern
In more detail
1. (noun) a standard or pattern of behavior that is considered normal or acceptable in a society or group
2. (noun) an average or usual level or amount
Examples
- It is a social norm to shake hands when you meet someone.
- Temperatures this summer have been well above the norm.
How to use norm
Norm refers to an established standard or pattern that members of a society or group are expected to follow, or to what is statistically typical. It can emphasize both prescriptive expectations (what people should do) and descriptive averages (what people typically do). Use 'social norm' or 'cultural norm' when referring to behavioral standards; use 'norm' alone for statistical averages or baseline measurements.
Common phrases
- social norm
- cultural norm
- break the norm
- depart from the norm
- conform to norms
- norm of behavior
Synonyms
standard · convention · expectation · baseline · average
Opposites
exception · anomaly · deviation
Word family
normal · normally · normality · normalize · normative
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'norm' with 'rule'; norms are unwritten, often implicit expectations, whereas rules are typically explicit and enforced.
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