Norm — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈnȯrm/

Meaning & Definition of Norm

Norm (noun)

  1. an authoritative standard, model
  2. a principle of right action binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behavior
  3. average

Norm (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. what is typical of a group, class, or series

    "sales figures that are within the norm of a store of that size"

    similar: average, normal, par, standard
    related: golden mean, mean, median, middle, commonplace, ordinary, rule, run, status quo, usual, exemplar, representative
    near: abnormality, anomaly, deviation, exception, rarity

  2. the code of good conduct for an individual or group

    "societal norms dictate that murder is wrong"

    similar: ethics, ethos, morality, morals, principles, standards
    related: customs, dictates, etiquette, manners, mores, values, beliefs, dogma, faith, tenets

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Norm

The most common words with a similar meaning to Norm:

average, normal, par, standard, ethics, ethos, morality, morals, principles, standards

Related Words for Norm

golden mean, mean, median, middle, commonplace, ordinary, rule, run, status quo, usual, exemplar, representative, customs, dictates, etiquette, manners, mores, values, beliefs, dogma, faith, tenets

Near Antonyms of Norm

abnormality, anomaly, deviation, exception, rarity

Origin & Etymology of Norm

borrowed from Latin norma "carpenterʼs square, pattern," probably borrowed from an Etruscan adaptation of Greek gnṓmōn "carpenterʼs square, indicator on a sundial" gnomon

First known use: 1674

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Norm

Words & Phrases Containing Norm

the norm

Frequently Asked Questions about Norm

What does "Norm" mean?

"Norm" means an authoritative standard, model. As a noun, it is defined as: an authoritative standard, model. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Norm"?

Other words for "Norm" include average, normal, par, standard, ethics, ethos, morality and morals. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Norm" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Norm"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Norm". Common alternatives include average, normal, par, standard, ethics, ethos, morality, morals, principles and standards.

How do you use "Norm" in a sentence?

Examples of "Norm" in a sentence: "sales figures that are within the norm of a store of that size"; "societal norms dictate that murder is wrong".

Is "Norm" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Norm" is a noun.

Is "Norm" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Norm" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Norm"?

"Norm" is pronounced /ˈnȯrm/.

What is the origin of the word "Norm"?

"Norm" comes from borrowed from Latin norma "carpenterʼs square, pattern," probably borrowed from an Etruscan adaptation of Greek gnṓmōn "carpenterʼs square, indicator on a sundial" gnomon. First known use: 1674.