Tradition
/trəˈdɪʃən/
Definitions
The handing down of statements, beliefs, customs, or information from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice.
/trəˈdɪʃən/
The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
The family's tradition was to gather for a picnic every Sunday.
💡 Simply: Tradition is like a family recipe that's been passed down for ages, or a special way of doing something that people have always done. For example, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree.
👶 For kids: A tradition is something people do the same way every year, like celebrating a holiday!
More Examples
Breaking with tradition, they decided to have a destination wedding.
The tradition of lighting a bonfire on the beach is a summer favorite.
How It's Used
"In many cultures, oral tradition is crucial for preserving history."
"The tradition of wearing white on your wedding day comes from the Victorian era."
"Islamic tradition holds prayers five times a day."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
break with tradition
To do something differently from what has been done before; to reject established customs.
"The company decided to break with tradition and introduce a new, more informal dress code."
according to tradition
Following established customs or practices.
"According to tradition, the bride wears white."
From Latin *traditio* ('a handing over, delivery, tradition'), from *tradere* ('to hand over, deliver'), from *trans* ('across') + *dare* ('to give').
The word's use has consistently referred to the transmission of customs and beliefs, but its application has broadened across cultures and disciplines over time.
Memory tip
Think of 'handing down' a family secret or a special recipe.