Norms — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈnȯrm/

Meaning & Definition of Norms

Norms (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

Norms (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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

Related Entry: Norm (noun)

Norm is a different word from Norms. The synonyms below are for norm, not for norms.

  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 Norms

The most common words with a similar meaning to Norms:

ethics, ethos, morality, morals, principles, standards

Related Words for Norms

customs, dictates, etiquette, manners, mores, values, beliefs, dogma, faith, tenets

Origin & Etymology of Norms

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 Norms

Frequently Asked Questions about Norms

What does "Norms" mean?

"Norms" means an authoritative standard, model. As a noun, it is defined as: an authoritative standard, model.

What is another word for "Norms"?

Other words for "Norms" include ethics, ethos, morality, morals, principles and standards. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Norms" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Norms"?

There are 16 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Norms". Common alternatives include ethics, ethos, morality, morals, principles and standards.

How do you use "Norms" in a sentence?

Examples of "Norms" in a sentence: "societal norms dictate that murder is wrong".

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

"Norms" is a noun.

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

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Norms"?

"Norms" is pronounced /ˈnȯrm/.

What is the origin of the word "Norms"?

"Norms" 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.