custom
KUSS-tuhm
/ˈkʌstəm/
A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time.
Usually refers to a localized or community-wide practice that has been handed down through generations, rather than an individual habit.
The story behind the word. In Latin, 'consuescere' meant 'to accustom' or 'to make something one's own'. This evolved into Old French as 'costume' (meaning habit or style of dress) and entered English as 'custom'. It shares its ancestry with 'costume', which explains why traditional clothing is often called 'folk costume'.
Word relationships
- tradition: Tradition emphasizes the historical continuity of a practice over generations, whereas custom can be a simpler, localized social rule.
- practice: Practice is a more general term for a repeated action, which may or may not carry cultural significance.
- novelty: A novelty is a brand-new, unusual, or unique occurrence that has no historical backing.
- fad: A fad is an intense and widely shared enthusiasm that is very short-lived.
Commonly confused with
- costume: A costume is a set of clothes worn by an actor or performer, whereas a custom is a traditional social practice.
Word family
- customary (adjective): According to the customs or usual practices associated with a particular society.
- accustom (verb): To make someone familiar with something through use or experience.
Collocations
- local custom
- ancient custom
- social custom
- follow a custom
Idioms & expressions
- custom dictates
Example sentences
- "It is a local custom to offer tea to any guest who crosses the threshold." Describing hospitality traditions in the Middle East.
- "The custom of wearing a white dress became popular during the Victorian era." Discussing wedding traditions.
Memory hook
Customers in a shop always follow the 'custom' of waiting in line. A custom is what a community is accustomed to doing.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'habit', which is personal and individual, or 'law', which is legally binding and enforced by a government.
Fun facts
- The plural form 'customs' also refers to the government department that collects duties on imported goods, which historically grew out of the 'customary' taxes paid to the king.
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