defy convention

USAGE SUMMARY

"defy convention" is an acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or a group of people who challenge established traditions and norms. For example, you might say, "The artist defied convention by creating an unorthodox painting that strayed from the standard rules of composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's inspiring to see how many of you aren't afraid to defy convention.

The New Yorker

But that stance showed personality, a willingness to defy convention — and it worked.

The New York Times - Sports

"Rock hair is meant to defy convention, free you from the 9 to 5.

The New York Times

Fernanda Santos, Reporter, Education: You said "I like stories that defy convention and stereotypes".

The New York Times

Bubba Watson's willingness to defy convention was apparent in his youth.

The Guardian - Sport

In this area is where the Williamses continue to, as Venus's endorsement campaign says, defy convention.

The New York Times - Sports

But some nominations for the Golden Globe Awards next Sunday defy convention.

The New York Times

"It was something that I wanted to do; something that was different; to try to defy convention, I suppose.

The New York Times

He said she was distinguished by "the longing and striving to defy convention, to defy what people accept".

The New York Times

"Money doesn't change some people," Davis said, arguing that Venus and Serena will continue to defy convention.

The New York Times - Sports

We both defy convention, he with his breathtaking designs and me by wearing a lobster bib in the shower.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defy convention" to describe actions or ideas that actively go against established norms or traditions, adding a sense of rebellion or innovation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "defy convention" in highly formal or technical writing where a more neutral term like "challenge" or "diverge from" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defy convention" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of resisting or going against established norms, practices, or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both acceptable and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defy convention" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies a deliberate departure from established norms and traditions. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted, featuring prominently in news and media. While often associated with positive connotations like innovation, it's crucial to consider the context to determine whether the defiance is viewed as constructive or reckless. Alternatives such as "challenge norms" or "go against the grain" can offer more nuanced expressions depending on the intended meaning. When writing, it's best to avoid using "defy convention" in overly formal or technical contexts where a more neutral term might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge norms

Focuses on the act of questioning and contesting established standards.

go against the grain

Implies acting in opposition to the prevailing trend or opinion.

break with tradition

Highlights a deliberate departure from customary practices.

rebel against conformity

Emphasizes resistance to the pressure to adhere to societal expectations.

buck the trend

Similar to going against the grain, but more specifically related to current trends.

transgress boundaries

Indicates exceeding or violating established limits or rules.

flout the rules

Suggests a blatant disregard for regulations or guidelines.

question authority

Focuses on challenging established power structures and figures.

disrupt the status quo

Implies actively disturbing or overturning the existing state of affairs.

pioneer innovation

Highlights introducing new methods, ideas, or products that depart from the norm.

FAQs

How can I use "defy convention" in a sentence?

You can use "defy convention" to describe actions that challenge established norms. For instance, "The artist's bold use of color defied convention and captivated audiences."

What are some alternatives to "defy convention"?

Some alternatives include "challenge norms", "go against the grain", or "break with tradition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to "defy convention"?

While "defy convention" often implies a positive connotation of innovation and progress, it can also suggest recklessness or disregard for valuable traditions. The context determines whether it's viewed favorably.

What's the difference between "defy convention" and "challenge convention"?

"Defy convention" suggests a more active and rebellious stance, while "challenge convention" implies a questioning or contesting of norms that may not necessarily result in outright opposition.