tradition
truh-DISH-uhn
/trəˈdɪʃən/
The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
Carries the weight of history and cultural identity.
The story behind the word. From 'trans-' (across) and 'dare' (to give). It literally means to 'hand over' knowledge or customs to the next person in line.
Word relationships
- custom: A custom is a specific practice; tradition is the broader system of passing those practices down.
- innovation: Innovation is the introduction of something new, often replacing tradition.
Commonly confused with
- habit: A habit is personal and often unconscious; a tradition is cultural and deliberate.
Word family
- traditional (adjective): existing in or as part of a tradition
- traditionalist (noun): a person who supports established customs
Collocations
- long-standing tradition
- break with tradition
- family tradition
Example sentences
- "Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire." Philosophy
Memory hook
Tradition = TRAnsferring Down information. Handing down the past.
When not to use
Don't use for a one-time event; it must be repeated over time.
Fun facts
- The word 'traitor' comes from the same root—one who 'hands over' secrets to the enemy.
Related words
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