tradition
truh-DISH-un
/trəˈdɪʃ.ən/
The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
Implies a repeated action or ritual that carries meaning.
The story behind the word. In Roman law, 'traditio' was the legal transfer of property. It literally meant 'handing over.' Eventually, it came to mean the handing over of stories, beliefs, and customs.
Word relationships
- custom: A custom is a practice; a tradition is the act of passing that practice down.
- innovation: Innovation is something new; tradition is something old and preserved.
Commonly confused with
- habit: A habit is personal and often unconscious; a tradition is social and intentional.
Word family
- traditional (adjective): Following long-established customs.
- traditionally (adverb): In a traditional manner.
Collocations
- long-standing tradition
- break with tradition
- uphold a tradition
Idioms & expressions
- steeped in tradition
Example sentences
- "It is a family tradition to open one gift on Christmas Eve." Holiday celebration.
- "The tradition of storytelling has been central to human culture for millennia." Sociology.
Memory hook
Tradition is 'trading' (handing over) stories across time. Handing down the past.
When not to use
Don't use it for a new habit; it must have been passed down at least once.
Fun facts
- The word 'treason' comes from the same root—it meant 'handing over' a secret or a person to the enemy.
Related words
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