Social Norms Vocabulary

noun the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a community

adjective relating to the customs and conventions of a community

• The community's mores dictate proper behavior and values.
• It's important to respect the mores of the group when you're a guest.
• I don't care about society's mores, I do what I want.
• The mores of the industry are constantly changing, so it's important to stay updated.

adjective feeling or showing embarrassment or shame

• She stood before the committee, shamefaced and apologetic for her mistake.
• After getting caught red-handed, he looked shamefaced and tried to come up with an excuse.
• He was shamefaced when his friends found out about his embarrassing moment.
• The politician was shamefaced after his scandal was exposed to the public.

verb to become sober; to make someone sober

adjective not drunk; abstaining from alcohol

• It is important to remain sober while operating heavy machinery.
• I decided to stay sober at the party last night.
• I'm trying to stay sober for a while to clear my head.
• After the chaos of the holidays, I am looking forward to a sober January.

adjective forbidden or prohibited by law or rules

• The use of cellphones in the courtroom is strictly verboten.
• Eating in the library is verboten, so don't get caught!
• Smoking in this area is totally verboten, dude.
• In their culture, questioning authority is considered verboten.

adjective relating to or based on the belief that heterosexuality is the only natural or normal sexual orientation

• The society's perception of relationships is often influenced by heteronormative beliefs.
• Some people may feel pressured to conform to heteronormative standards in their relationships.
• It's annoying how everything is so heteronormative sometimes.
• Breaking free from heteronormative expectations can feel like a breath of fresh air.

noun a plural noun referring to a group of people or things

• The achangs in the company's organizational structure were causing inefficiencies.
• We need to address the achangs in our team dynamics.
• Let's shake things up and get rid of the achangs in our project.
• The achangs in her life were like obstacles blocking her path to success.