customary
KUS-tuh-mer-ee
/ˈkʌstəməri/
According to the customs or usual practices associated with a particular society, place, or set of circumstances.
Implies a social expectation or tradition rather than just a personal habit.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'com-' (intensive) and 'suescere' (to become accustomed). It describes the collective habits that a whole group of people have 'become accustomed' to.
Word relationships
- traditional: Traditional implies a long history passed down through generations; customary is more about current standard practice.
- usual: Usual is much more informal and lacks the social weight of customary.
- unusual: Not common or expected.
- unconventional: Breaking with social norms or customs.
Commonly confused with
- habitual: Habitual is personal; customary is social/cultural.
Word family
- customary (adjective): According to custom.
- customarily (adverb): Usually; as a matter of custom.
- custom (noun): A traditional practice.
Collocations
- customary practice
- customary law
- customary greeting
- customary behavior
Example sentences
- "It is customary to shake hands when you are introduced to someone for the first time." A guide on social etiquette.
- "The customary waiting period for the permit was thirty days." Describing a legal or formal procedure.
Memory hook
Think of 'Customer'—it is 'customary' for a shop to treat a customer with respect. Customary is expected.
When not to use
Do not use for individual quirks; use 'habitual' for those.
Fun facts
- In international law, 'customary law' consists of rules that come from a general and consistent practice of states, followed out of a sense of legal obligation.
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