Customary
/ˈkʌstəməri/
Definitions
Conforming to the customs or usual practices of a group or place.
/ˈkʌstəməri/
According to the customs or usual practices associated with a particular society, place, or set of circumstances.
It is customary to shake hands when you meet someone new.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're traveling. If everyone in a place always does something a certain way, like eating with chopsticks or taking off their shoes indoors, that's customary for them. It's the normal, expected thing to do!
👶 For kids: Something that is customary is something that people usually do.
More Examples
The customary greeting in many cultures is a bow.
She arrived at the office at the customary time of 9 am.
The company offered the customary bonus at the end of the year.
How It's Used
"It is customary to tip your waiter in the United States."
"The company followed customary procedures for filing the paperwork."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
customary law
Law based on custom, tradition, and precedent rather than formal statutes.
"Customary law often governs land ownership in many indigenous communities."
in the customary manner
In the usual or traditional way.
"The ceremony proceeded in the customary manner."
From Middle English *custumarie*, from Old French *custumier* ('accustomed'), from *custume* ('custom'), from Latin *consuetudo* ('custom, habit').
The word 'customary' has been in use since the 14th century and has consistently referred to actions or behaviors that are usual and expected based on established tradition or habit.
Memory tip
Think of 'customs' as the usual way things are done.
Word Origin
"custom, habit"