English Reference
adverb

traditionally

adv.
US /tɹəˈdɪʃənəɫi/ UK /tɹɐdˈɪʃənəli/ tra·di·tion·al·ly

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    in a way that follows a long-standing custom or habit.

    in accordance with tradition or long-established custom; often used to introduce a historical norm that may be changing.

    Simple

    Traditionally, the family gathers for a large meal on the first Sunday of the month.

    In context

    Traditionally, the village elders would mediate disputes, though modern legal frameworks have largely superseded this local custom.

    Usage

    Often placed at the beginning of a sentence to set a historical context.

    conventionallycustomarily
    modernlyunconventionally
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    used to say that something has been true for a very long time.

    indicating a state or belief that has persisted through history or across generations.

    Simple

    This region has traditionally been a center for trade between the two countries.

    In context

    While the species was traditionally thought to be solitary, recent field observations suggest a more complex social hierarchy.

    Usage

    Commonly used in academic writing to establish a baseline of belief or practice.

Usage traditionally associated · assign traditionally · traditionally associate


From traditional + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated