convenient
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /kənvˈiːnɪənt/
US
- /kənˈvinjənt/
Description
- handy
- useful
- easy
- accessible
- suitable
Something convenient saves you time, effort, or trouble. Think about drive-through coffee—it's convenient because you don't even have to get out of your car! It means something fits in well with your plans and needs, making life a little smoother. A conveniently located grocery store is one you can easily reach on your way home from work. A convenient option often has fewer steps, takes less time, or is close at hand.
Sometimes convenience isn't about speed, but access or comfort. A "convenient truth" is one that's easy to accept because it supports what you already believe (or what you want to believe). And a "convenient excuse" is one that's easy to use when you want to avoid trouble. Whether it's a helpful tool, a nearby place, or an idea that works in your favor, convenient means making things easier and more manageable.
The word "convenient" describes something that is suitable, fitting, or helpful for a particular purpose or situation—especially when it saves time, effort, or difficulty. It implies ease of access, use, or availability. For example: "The new bus schedule is much more convenient for commuters," meaning the schedule better fits their needs and makes traveling easier.
In everyday English, you often see it with *for or to*: "This time is convenient for me," or "It's convenient to pay online."
Convenience isn't just about physical objects. You can also talk about convenient times, locations, or even ideas. Asking, "Is this a convenient time to talk?" checks if the moment suits both parties' schedules. On the other hand, a convenient lie or excuse is one that seems plausible and is easy to tell because it avoids immediate trouble (though it may not be ethical!).
The root of "convenient" comes from the Latin word convenire, meaning "to come together" or "to meet." This hints at the core idea of the word: something fitting so well with your circumstances that the pieces seem to fall right into place. A convenient solution is one that "comes together" to solve a problem without any unnecessary hassle.
So, whether it's a helpful gadget, a well-timed opportunity, or an easily accepted explanation, convenient describes anything that makes life simpler and more manageable by fitting seamlessly into your world.
Examples
- 1
Nearby shop
There's a small grocery store downstairs, which is really convenient.
- 2
Scheduling
Friday afternoon would be convenient for me if that works for you.
- 3
Travel planning
We chose a hotel close to the station so it would be convenient for getting around the city.
Pattern
convenient for + activity
useful and easy for that purpose
- 4
Digital services
Online banking is convenient, but I still go to the branch for some things.
- 5
Polite scheduling
Let me know when it's convenient for you, and I'll call back.
Phrase
when it's convenient for you
when it suits your schedule
- 6
Location
The new office is convenient to the freeway, but it's a long drive for most of the team.
Pattern
convenient to + place
near and easy to reach
- 7
Suspicious excuse
His sudden illness was a convenient excuse for missing the meeting.
Phrase
a convenient excuse
a reason that is useful for someone, often in a suspicious way
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- convenientadjective