custom
A custom is a traditional way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time. In a family context, it refers to a practice or activity that members regularly do together, often passed down through generations.
Examples
3 of 5It is a family custom to eat pancakes every Sunday morning.
It is a family custom to eat pancakes every Sunday morning.
The host explained the local custom of removing shoes before entering the house.
The host explained the local custom of removing shoes before entering the house.
My family has this weird custom where we wear silly hats on birthdays.
My family has this weird custom where we wear silly hats on birthdays.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Custom starts with 'C' like 'Culture'. It's what people in a Culture do.
Quick Quiz
It is a family ____ to open one gift on the night before Christmas.
Correct!
The correct answer is: custom
Examples
It is a family custom to eat pancakes every Sunday morning.
everydayIt is a family custom to eat pancakes every Sunday morning.
The host explained the local custom of removing shoes before entering the house.
formalThe host explained the local custom of removing shoes before entering the house.
My family has this weird custom where we wear silly hats on birthdays.
informalMy family has this weird custom where we wear silly hats on birthdays.
The sociological study examines how various customs maintain community bonds.
academicThe sociological study examines how various customs maintain community bonds.
When working abroad, it is vital to respect the business customs of the host country.
businessWhen working abroad, it is vital to respect the business customs of the host country.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
as is the custom
following the usual tradition
old custom
a long-standing tradition
customary practice
something normally done
Often Confused With
A 'custom' is a tradition or behavior, while a 'costume' is a set of clothes worn for a party or play.
A 'habit' is usually a personal routine, whereas a 'custom' is shared by a group or culture.
Usage Notes
Use 'custom' when describing something that a group of people (like a family or a nation) does together as part of their identity. It is more formal than 'habit'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell the word as 'costume' or use it to mean 'habit'. Remember that customs are usually social, not just individual.
Memory Tip
Custom starts with 'C' like 'Culture'. It's what people in a Culture do.
Word Origin
From the Old French word 'costume', meaning habit, practice, or usage.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Family customs vary significantly across the globe, from specific holiday meals to unique ways of greeting elders.
Quick Quiz
It is a family ____ to open one gift on the night before Christmas.
Correct!
The correct answer is: custom
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More Family words
father
A1A father is a male parent of a child. This term describes both the biological relationship and the social role of a man who raises and cares for his children.
dad
A1An informal and affectionate name for a father, used primarily by children or within a family context. It refers to a male parent who provides care and support for his offspring.
mother
A1A female parent who has given birth to or raised a child. It is also used more broadly to describe a woman who provides care, protection, and support to another person.
son
A1A male child or man in relation to his parents. It is a fundamental kinship term used to describe a direct male descendant in a family.
child
A1A young human being below the age of puberty or the legal age of majority. It can also refer to a son or daughter of any age in relation to their parents.
sister
A1A sister is a girl or woman who shares the same parents as another person. It can also refer to a woman who shares one parent or someone who is very close like a family member.
twin
A1A twin is one of two children born at the same time to the same mother. It can also refer to one of two things that are exactly the same or very similar.
baby
A1A baby is a very young human being, typically from birth until they start to walk. It is a general term for an infant who requires complete care and attention from adults.
toddler
A1A young child who is just beginning to walk, typically between the ages of one and three. This term describes the developmental stage between infancy and the start of preschool.
adult
A1A person who is fully grown and developed, typically someone who is 18 years of age or older. It is used to distinguish a mature individual from a child or a teenager.
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