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  1. Home /
  2. Dictionaries /
  3. English Dictionary /
  4. follow tradition

follow tradition

/ˈfɒloʊ trəˈdɪʃən/
adhere to established customs

Many families follow tradition by celebrating holidays in the same way each year.

This means they maintain customs and rituals passed down through generations.


general

To adhere to or continue established customs, practices, or beliefs passed down through generations

The village follows tradition by holding an annual festival to honor their ancestors.

They maintain their cultural heritage by continuing this long-standing practice.

Despite modern influences, some communities still follow tradition in their daily lives.

They preserve their cultural identity by maintaining traditional ways of living.

This phrase emphasizes respect for cultural heritage and continuity with the past.

Collocations

follow tradition closelyadhere strictly to customsbreak with traditiondeviate from established customs

Synonyms

preserve customsmaintain traditionsuphold heritage

Antonyms

break with traditionreject customsinnovate

Related Phrases

break with traditionphrase
to deviate from established customs
preserve traditionphrase
to maintain cultural practices

Pro Tip

Cultural Context

The meaning of 'follow tradition' can vary across cultures. What is considered traditional in one society may not be in another.

Gold Rule

Respectful Usage

When discussing traditions, be mindful of cultural sensitivity. Not all traditions are universally positive or neutral.

Word Origin

From Middle English 'tradicioun' (1300s), from Old French 'tradicion', from Latin 'traditio' (handing over, tradition), from 'tradere' (to hand over).

Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used to describe cultural, religious, or familial practices that are maintained over time. It can be used positively to emphasize respect for heritage or negatively to criticize resistance to change.

Word Breakdown

follow
to adhere to or continue
verb
+
tradition
established customs or practices
noun
English Dictionary
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Words of the Year

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