ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tradition

n. C / U
A2 Elementary Oxford US //tɹəˈdɪʃən// UK //tɹɐdˈɪʃən// tra·di·tion Academic Archaic General-service

n. a custom or belief that a group of people has followed for a long time. It is something special that you do regularly with your family or community.

n. a long-established custom or belief passed down through generations within a particular group or society. Often implies a sense of historical continuity and cultural identity.


SIMPLE

It is a family tradition to eat together on Sundays.

CONTEXTUAL

The town maintains the tradition of lighting a large bonfire every November to celebrate the end of the harvest.

COMPLEX

While some critics argue that the ceremony is outdated, many citizens believe that upholding such a tradition is vital for maintaining social cohesion in a rapidly changing world.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English tradicioun, from Old French tradicion, from Latin trāditiō, from the verb trādō. Doublet of treason.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general concept of inherited customs; countable when referring to a specific practice or belief.

© 2026 English Reference