conventionalist
- noun
- /kənˈvɛnʃənəlɪst/
- Formal
- The debate highlighted the differences between innovative thinkers and conventionalists who resist change.
Examples
-
As a conventionalist, she believed that traditions are essential for maintaining social order.
-
In place of that which is right or just by nature, the conventionalist substitutes that which is by nature good: "By nature, everyone seeks his own good and nothing but his own good."
Academic text (2003) -
Conventionalist 10
Academic text (2010) -
Many conventionalists argue that societal norms shape our understanding of morality.
Antonyms
How Rigid
Surface Forms
Morphology
conventionalist = conventional (semi-transparent) = convention + al + ist
Built from 'conventional' + '-ist' denoting an adherent; the formation is clear though the philosophical meaning 'conventionalism' is a specialized doctrine.
Etymology
Conventionalist as a noun comes from convention ('an agreement people accept') and -ist ('a person'). A conventionalist is someone who thinks rules or truths come from human agreement rather than from something fixed, so they see principles as made by society, not by nature.