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customary
/ˈkʌs.tə.mɛɹ.i/
usual or traditional
It is customary to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time.
Shaking hands is a traditional greeting when meeting someone new.
formal
According to custom or tradition; usual.
In some cultures, it is customary to remove shoes before entering a home.
Removing shoes indoors is a traditional practice in certain cultures.
The customary greeting in Japan is a bow.
Bowing is the traditional way to greet someone in Japan.
Often used to describe practices that are widely accepted or expected in a particular society or group.
Collocations
customary practicea traditional or usual actioncustomary lawtraditional rules or customs that have legal force
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'customer'
'Customary' relates to tradition or habit, while 'customer' refers to someone who buys goods or services. They are not interchangeable.
Gold Rule
Use for traditions or habits
'Customary' is best used to describe actions or practices that are traditional or widely accepted in a culture or group, not personal habits.
Word Origin
From Latin *consuetudinarius*, from *consuetudo* (custom), from *consuere* (to accustom).
Usage Notes
Used to describe actions or practices that are widely accepted or expected in a particular culture or group. Often implies a sense of tradition or long-standing practice.
Word Breakdown
custom
a traditional practice or habit
root-ary
relating to or characterized by
suffixEnglish Dictionary