norm
NORM
/nɔːrm/
Something that is usual, typical, or standard; a standard or pattern of social behavior that is expected of a group.
Norms can be formal (laws) or informal (unwritten rules like waiting in line).
The story behind the word. The 'norm' began as a physical tool. In Latin, a 'norma' was a carpenter's square—a L-shaped tool used to ensure that angles were perfectly 'right.' Over time, the word moved from the workshop to the social world, describing the 'right' way for people to behave so they 'fit' into society's structure.
Word relationships
- standard: A standard is often an official level of quality, while a norm is an expected behavior.
- convention: A convention is a specific, often arbitrary rule of social behavior (like which fork to use).
- anomaly: An anomaly is a strange or unique occurrence that doesn't fit a pattern.
- exception: An exception is a specific case where a rule does not apply.
Commonly confused with
- normal: 'Normal' is the adjective describing the state; 'norm' is the noun representing the rule itself.
Word family
- normalize (verb): To make something previously unusual seem standard.
- normative (adjective): Establishing or relating to a standard or norm.
Collocations
- social norm
- cultural norm
- depart from the norm
- establish a norm
Idioms & expressions
- the norm
- par for the course
Example sentences
- "Remote work has become the new norm for many tech companies, making the daily commute a thing of the past." Describing the shift in workplace culture.
- "The social norm of bringing a gift to a dinner party varies significantly from one country to another." Discussing social expectations.
Memory hook
A 'norm' is the 'square' that everyone is expected to fit into. The social square.
When not to use
Do not use 'norm' when you mean 'average' in a strictly mathematical sense unless you are speaking generally.
Fun facts
- In sociology, 'folkways' are minor norms like table manners, while 'mores' (mor-ays) are serious norms like the prohibition against theft.
Related words
Also appears in
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