Traditionally

trəˈdɪʃənəli

adverbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

In a way that follows customs or traditions.

trəˈdɪʃənəli

adverbneutralBeginner
General

According to tradition; in a traditional manner.

Traditionally, the bride wears white.

💡 Simply: Imagine your grandma making a special cake every year for your birthday. If she always makes it the same way, that's traditionally!

👶 For kids: When you do something the way it's always been done, like celebrating a holiday with the same things every year.

More Examples

2

We traditionally celebrate Christmas with a big family dinner.

3

He was traditionally a very reliable person.

How It's Used

General Usage

"Traditionally, weddings take place in churches."

Cultural Studies

"Traditionally, in many cultures, women were responsible for childcare."

Business

"Traditionally, businesses have relied on in-person meetings."

Idioms & expressions

tradition dictates

Used to say that something happens or should happen because it is part of a tradition.

"Tradition dictates that the eldest son inherits the family business."

From 'tradition' (Latin 'traditio', meaning 'a handing down') + '-ally'. It describes something done in a way that follows long-established customs or beliefs.

The word 'traditionally' began appearing in written English in the 16th century, around the same time that 'tradition' gained prominence.

Memory tip

Think of 'tradition' - the way things have always been done. 'Traditionally' means according to those established ways.

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written