conventionally attractive

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Good-looking in the way that most people in a society expect, matching its usual ideas of beauty.

   Grammar: Works as an adjective after a verb or before a noun: she is conventionally attractive.

   Patterns

   • be conventionally attractive
   • not conventionally attractive

   The lead actor is conventionally attractive, with symmetrical features and a bright smile.

   She is not conventionally attractive, but her face is full of character.

   Advertisements often favor conventionally attractive models.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used to describe a person whom society tends to rank highly for looks, often in a discussion about bias or privilege.

   Grammar: Often used in social commentary: conventionally attractive people receive advantages.

   Patterns

   • conventionally attractive people

   Studies suggest conventionally attractive candidates are hired more often.

   Conventionally attractive characters rarely play villains in this genre.

   Being conventionally attractive can open doors that stay closed to others.

Common combinations

not conventionally attractive

He is not conventionally attractive, but he is charming.

conventionally attractive actor

The film cast a conventionally attractive actor in the lead.

considered conventionally attractive

She is considered conventionally attractive by many.

conventionally attractive features

Conventionally attractive features are often symmetrical.

conventionally attractive models

The brand switched from conventionally attractive models to real customers.

Synonyms and how they differ

good-looking

Good-looking is plain and warm, and it does not hint at social standards the way conventionally attractive does.

classically handsome

Classically handsome is used for men and suggests an older, traditional ideal.

pretty

Pretty describes soft, sweet looks and is mostly used for women or girls, not as a social comment.

photogenic

Photogenic means looks good in photos, which is a different quality from fitting standard ideas of beauty.

Opposites

Word family

convention noun

an accepted way of doing things

conventional adjective

following accepted standards

conventionally adverb

in an accepted manner

attractive adjective

pleasing in appearance

attractiveness noun

the quality of being pleasing

Commonly confused: conventionally attractive or conventionally vs. conveniently?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “conventionally attractive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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