tradition
truh-DISH-un
/trəˈdɪʃən/
The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
In anniversaries, it refers to the specific ways a couple or family chooses to celebrate every year.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'traditio,' which means 'handing over' or 'delivery.' It literally describes the act of handing a story or a custom across time from one person to the next.
Word relationships
- custom: A custom is a specific practice; tradition is the broader system of passing those practices down.
- innovation: The introduction of something new, often replacing tradition.
Commonly confused with
- habit: A habit is personal and often unconscious; a tradition is cultural or familial and intentional.
Word family
- traditional (adjective): Based on or in accordance with tradition.
- traditionally (adverb): In a traditional way.
Collocations
- family tradition
- long-standing tradition
- break with tradition
Example sentences
- "According to tradition, the first wedding anniversary is celebrated with gifts made of paper." Discussing anniversary gifts.
- "Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire." A quote about the nature of tradition. (Gustav Mahler)
Memory hook
Tradition is 'trading' (handing over) ideas from the past to the present. Handing down the past.
When not to use
Don't use it for a one-time event; it must be something that is repeated over time.
Fun facts
- The word 'treason' comes from the same root—it originally meant 'handing over' someone to the enemy.
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