What does "traditionally" mean?

1. (according to custom) in a way that follows a long-standing custom or habit. 2. (historically) used to say that something has been true for a very long time.

How do you use "traditionally"?

Often placed at the beginning of a sentence to set a historical context. Commonly used in academic writing to establish a baseline of belief or practice.

traditionally

adv.

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

1 according to custom (adv.)
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.

Example

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

Example

Traditionally, the village elders would mediate disputes, though modern legal frameworks have largely superseded this local custom.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.
- conventionally
- customarily
- modernly
- unconventionally
2 historically (adv.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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.
- historically
- long
- recently

Origin

From traditional + -ly.

Word family

Nountraditionalist
Adjectivetraditional
Adverbtraditionally