B1 noun Neutre #16 le plus courant 1 min de lecture

convenience

/kənˈviːniəns/

Convenience is the state of being able to proceed with something without difficulty or effort. It often refers to things, services, or situations that make life easier or more comfortable.

Convenience is anything that helps you save time or effort in your daily tasks.

Mot en 30 secondes

  • The quality of being easy or useful.
  • Something that makes life more comfortable or saves time.
  • Often used to describe accessible services or products.

Summary

Convenience is anything that helps you save time or effort in your daily tasks.

  • The quality of being easy or useful.
  • Something that makes life more comfortable or saves time.
  • Often used to describe accessible services or products.

Use with polite requests

Always use 'at your convenience' when asking someone to do a task without a strict deadline. It shows respect for their busy schedule.

Avoid confusing with comfort

Remember that a chair is comfortable, but a chair that folds up to save space is convenient. Distinguish between physical ease and functional efficiency.

The convenience culture

Western societies often prioritize convenience, leading to the rise of delivery apps and fast-food chains. This reflects a cultural value placed on time-saving.

Exemples

4 sur 4
1

The store is open 24 hours for your convenience.

2

Please reply at your earliest convenience.

3

Modern gadgets are a huge convenience.

4

The convenience of online banking has changed consumer behavior.

Famille de mots

Nom
convenience
Verbe
convenience (rarely used)
Adjectif
convenient

Astuce mémo

Think of the word 'con-ven-ience' as 'come-in-ease'. If things come in with ease, you have convenience!

Overview

Convenience is a fundamental concept in modern life, representing the value we place on efficiency and ease. It describes the quality of being useful or suitable for a specific purpose, especially when it saves time or reduces physical exertion. Usage Patterns: The word is commonly used as an uncountable noun, though it can be countable when referring to specific useful items or features (e.g., 'the modern conveniences of the apartment'). It frequently appears in phrases related to time ('at your earliest convenience') or location ('convenience store'). Common Contexts: In business, convenience is a major selling point. We see it in 'convenience food,' which is pre-prepared for quick consumption, or 'convenience stores,' which offer extended hours and easy access to daily necessities. In professional communication, it is used to politely manage scheduling, allowing the recipient to choose a time that suits them best. Similar Words Comparison: While 'comfort' focuses on physical ease and lack of pain, 'convenience' focuses on the reduction of effort and the saving of time. 'Utility' is a more technical term referring to the usefulness of an object, whereas 'convenience' carries a stronger connotation of personal ease and user-friendliness.

Notes d'usage

Convenience is often used in formal business English to show politeness. In everyday conversation, it is frequently used to describe modern technology or location benefits. It is rarely used in the plural unless referring to specific amenities.

Erreurs courantes

Learners often use 'convenient' when they need the noun 'convenience'. For example, saying 'It is a big convenient' is incorrect; it should be 'It is a big convenience'.

Astuce mémo

Think of the word 'con-ven-ience' as 'come-in-ease'. If things come in with ease, you have convenience!

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin 'convenientia', meaning 'agreement' or 'fitness'. It evolved to mean 'suitability' and eventually 'ease of use'.

Contexte culturel

In many English-speaking countries, 'convenience' is a highly marketed value. It drives the success of industries like fast food, e-commerce, and ride-sharing services.

Exemples

1

The store is open 24 hours for your convenience.

everyday
2

Please reply at your earliest convenience.

formal
3

Modern gadgets are a huge convenience.

informal
4

The convenience of online banking has changed consumer behavior.

academic

Famille de mots

Nom
convenience
Verbe
convenience (rarely used)
Adjectif
convenient

Collocations courantes

at your convenience
for the sake of convenience
modern convenience

Phrases Courantes

convenience store

convenience food

Souvent confondu avec

convenience vs Comfort

Comfort refers to physical ease or freedom from pain. Convenience refers to the ease of performing tasks or saving time.

Modèles grammaticaux

at your convenience for the convenience of [someone] a matter of convenience

Use with polite requests

Always use 'at your convenience' when asking someone to do a task without a strict deadline. It shows respect for their busy schedule.

Avoid confusing with comfort

Remember that a chair is comfortable, but a chair that folds up to save space is convenient. Distinguish between physical ease and functional efficiency.

The convenience culture

Western societies often prioritize convenience, leading to the rise of delivery apps and fast-food chains. This reflects a cultural value placed on time-saving.

Teste-toi

fill blank

Choose the best word to complete the sentence.

Living near the subway station is a great ___ for me.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : convenience

We need a noun here because it follows 'a great'.

Score : /1

Questions fréquentes

3 questions

Convenient is an adjective used to describe a person, place, or thing that is easy to use. Convenience is the noun form describing the state of ease itself.

Generally yes, but it can sometimes imply a lack of quality or depth. For example, 'convenience food' is often criticized for being less healthy than home-cooked meals.

You use this phrase to tell someone they can respond or act whenever they have time. It is a polite way to avoid being pushy about a deadline.

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