Key Difference: Conventional is a more widely accepted idea, notion or a way of doing things. Traditional is an idea of a way of doing something that has been passed down generations.

The terms ‘conventional’ and ‘traditional’ are often confusing for many people, specially when it is raised in terms of medicine and values. The terms may sound similar and in many contexts, the terms can also be interchangeable. However, there are contexts where the terms have different connotations.

Let’s define both definitions using the Merriam Webster dictionary.

Conventional means:

• used and accepted by most people : usual or traditional
• of a kind that has been around for a long time and is considered to be usual or typical
• common and ordinary : not unusual

Traditional means:

• a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time
• the stories, beliefs, etc., that have been part of the culture of a group of people for a long time

As the definitions show, conventional means something that is done by many people or is a common way of doing it. It is spread among a lot of people, which sometimes can be traditional. If a tradition is passed down and continues, it also becomes a conventional method of doing something. On the other hand, traditional is the way of thinking or a manner of doing something that has been passed down for generations among groups of people or in a family. An example of conventional would include Valentine’s Day being celebrated worldwide, although it is a tradition only for certain countries. Traditional would be an Indian bride wearing red on her wedding day. Although, more people around the world wear white in a wedding, Indian traditions associate red with the color of marriage. Traditions can change depending on culture, society and family.

In terms of mindset, a conventional person would agree more commonly with the general public, while a person with a traditional mindset would agree with what he was taught traditionally or what he has seen happen for generations. For example a person with more conventional thinking or mindset would suggest that women should work and help contribute to the family. However, for a person with traditional mindset would suggest that women should contribute by taking care of the home and the family, letting the man provide. As times change so does traditions and conventions.

In terms of medicine, a conventional form of medicine would allopathic, in which pharmacologically active agents or physical interventions to treat or suppress symptoms or pathophysiologic processes of diseases or conditions. This is also known as the modern medicine. A more traditional form of medicine would include Homeopathy, Ayurvedic, Chinese medical system, etc.

Comparison between Conventional and Traditional:

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