ENGLISH
REFERENCE

customary

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkəstəˌmɛɹi// UK //kˈʌstəməɹi// cus·tom·ary

adj. based on habit, tradition, or what people usually do in a certain place. You use this word when something is normal because it has been done for a long time.

adj. done according to established habit, tradition, or social expectation rather than strict legal requirement. Often used in legal and formal contexts to distinguish practice from statute.


SIMPLE

It is customary to tip the waiter.

CONTEXTUAL

In many cultures, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a home.

COMPLEX

While the law allowed the practice, it was customary for the committee to review all applications before making a final decision.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English custumary, from Medieval Latin custumarius. By surface analysis, custom + -ary.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'to' when describing a specific action (e.g., 'customary to do').

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