convenience
convenience
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "convenience" is /kənˈviːniəns/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
kən:
/k/: Voiceless velar stop
/ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)
/n/: Alveolar nasal
ˈviː:
/v/: Voiced labiodental fricative
/iː/: Close front unrounded vowel (as in "fleece")
ni:
/n/: Alveolar nasal
/ɪ/: Near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")
əns:
/ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)
/n/: Alveolar nasal
/s/: Voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
Convenience" is primarily a noun. It has several related forms that serve as other parts of speech.
Noun Forms:
Singular: convenience (e.g., "For your convenience, the store is open late.")
Plural: conveniences (e.g., "The hotel offers many modern conveniences.")
Related Forms:
Verb: convene (e.g., "The committee will convene tomorrow.")
Adjective: convenient (e.g., "This location is very convenient.")
Adverb: conveniently (e.g., "The bus stop is conveniently located.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun Definitions
The quality of being suitable or at hand; freedom from difficulty, effort, or discomfort.
Synonyms: Ease, handiness, accessibility, suitability, comfort, practicality
Antonyms: Inconvenience, difficulty, trouble, burden, hassle, impediment
A thing that contributes to an easier or more comfortable way of life.
Synonyms: Amenity, facility, utility, comfort, advantage, feature
Antonyms: Nuisance, hindrance, burden, hardship
(Often in phrases like "at your convenience") Opportunity or suitable time.
Synonyms: Opportunity, occasion, suitable time, leisure
Antonyms: Inopportunity, unsuitability, bad timing
Examples of Use
Books
"The history of progress is a history of increasing human convenience." (Often found in works discussing societal development or technology)
"She valued the convenience of living close to the city center, despite the higher rent." (Common in contemporary fiction exploring lifestyle choices)
Newspapers and Online Publications
"Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience for busy consumers." (The Wall Street Journal)
"The new public transport system is designed to enhance the convenience of daily commuting." (The Standard)
"For your convenience, our branches now offer extended evening hours." (Common phrasing in business announcements)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film: In Click (2006), Adam Sandler's character uses a magical remote control to fast-forward through inconvenient parts of his life, prioritizing convenience.
Television: "This kitchen appliance combines multiple functions for ultimate culinary convenience." (Heard on infomercials or cooking shows)
Music: Many pop songs celebrate the convenience of modern communication or express a desire for easy, convenient love.
Video Games: Mobile games often prioritize convenience with short play sessions and easy controls, making them accessible anywhere.
General Public Discourse
"Can we schedule our meeting at your earliest convenience?" (Polite phrase in professional communication)
"The new app offers great convenience for managing my finances." (Everyday conversation about technology)
"They built a small shop right next door for the convenience of the residents." (Discussing local amenities)
"I chose this hotel for its location and modern conveniences." (Talking about travel or accommodation)
10 Quotes Using Convenience
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." (Often attributed to Thomas Jefferson) - This implies that vigilance is not always a matter of convenience.
"What a man can be, he must be." (Abraham Maslow) - This speaks to a drive beyond mere convenience.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." (Martin Luther King Jr.)
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." (Often attributed to Neale Donald Walsch) - This suggests growth requires moving beyond convenience.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." (Often attributed to John A. Shedd) - This implies that purpose extends beyond the convenience of safety.
"Truth is not always a matter of convenience." (Original)
"We sacrifice our health for wealth, then sacrifice our wealth for health." (Unknown, common proverb) - This highlights how present convenience can lead to future problems.
"Progress often comes at the expense of initial convenience." (Original)
"Don't confuse what is easy with what is right; the right path is seldom the path of least resistance." (Original) - This relates to choosing principle over convenience.
"Compromise for your dream. But never compromise on your dream." (Unknown, common motivational saying) - This suggests that small compromises can lead to greater convenience in achieving larger goals.
Etymology
The word "convenience" comes from the Latin verb "convenire," which meant "to come together," "to assemble," or "to be suitable." This Latin word is formed from "con-" (meaning "together" or "with") and "venire" (meaning "to come"). You can see this "venire" root in other words like "adventure" and "intervene."
So, at its root, "convenience" is about things coming together or fitting well for a particular purpose or person.
The first known use of "convenience" in English, appearing around the late 14th century, referred to fitness, suitability, or agreement. It was about something being proper or advantageous. By the 15th century, it began to commonly refer to ease, comfort, or freedom from trouble, which is its primary modern meaning.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Convenience
At your convenience: At a time that suits you best.
Example: "Please submit the report at your convenience."
For convenience: To make things easier or more accessible.
Example: "We keep spare keys under the mat for convenience."
Convenience store: A small shop, often open long hours, selling a limited range of groceries and household items.
Example: "I'll just run to the convenience store for milk."
Modern conveniences: Appliances or features that make life easier.
Example: "The apartment boasts all the modern conveniences, including a dishwasher and air conditioning."
Out of convenience: Doing something because it's easy, not necessarily because it's the best option.
Example: "He chose that route simply out of convenience."
Ease of use: (Using a synonym, referring to how easy something is to operate).
Example: "The new software was designed for maximum ease of use."
Handy access: (Meaning easy or convenient availability).
Example: "The documents are in the folder, providing handy access."
Time-saver: (Something that makes a task quicker, contributing to convenience).
Example: "This new gadget is a real time-saver in the kitchen."
On demand: (Meaning available when needed, implying convenience).
Example: "Streaming services offer entertainment on demand."
Take the path of least resistance: (An idiom meaning to choose the easiest option, often for convenience).
Example: "Sometimes, it's just easier to take the path of least resistance."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of convenience from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
