tradition
A long-established custom, belief, or method of practice passed down through generations within a specific culture, family, or social group. In an academic context, it refers to a cohesive lineage of thought, artistic style, or intellectual framework that scholars build upon over time.
Examples
3 of 5My family has an everyday tradition of taking a long walk together after Sunday dinner.
My family has an everyday tradition of taking a long walk together after Sunday dinner.
The inauguration ceremony followed a strict tradition established by the university's founders in the 18th century.
The inauguration ceremony followed a strict tradition established by the university's founders in the 18th century.
It's become a bit of an informal tradition for us to grab tacos after every band practice.
It's become a bit of an informal tradition for us to grab tacos after every band practice.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the Latin root 'tradere', which means 'to hand over'. Imagine a baton being handed over in a relay race that spans centuries.
Quick Quiz
The scholar's work is deeply rooted in the Western _______ of rationalism.
Correct!
The correct answer is: tradition
Examples
My family has an everyday tradition of taking a long walk together after Sunday dinner.
everydayMy family has an everyday tradition of taking a long walk together after Sunday dinner.
The inauguration ceremony followed a strict tradition established by the university's founders in the 18th century.
formalThe inauguration ceremony followed a strict tradition established by the university's founders in the 18th century.
It's become a bit of an informal tradition for us to grab tacos after every band practice.
informalIt's become a bit of an informal tradition for us to grab tacos after every band practice.
Her research explores how the Hegelian tradition influenced modern political philosophy and social theory.
academicHer research explores how the Hegelian tradition influenced modern political philosophy and social theory.
The company decided to break with tradition and eliminate the hierarchical office structure in favor of an open-plan layout.
businessThe company decided to break with tradition and eliminate the hierarchical office structure in favor of an open-plan layout.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in the tradition of
in the tradition of
standing on tradition
standing on tradition
by tradition
by tradition
Often Confused With
A custom is a specific behavior or practice, while a tradition is a broader, more complex set of customs passed down over a long period.
Heritage refers to what is inherited from the past (like history or buildings), whereas tradition is the active process of passing down practices.
Usage Notes
At a C2 level, use 'tradition' to describe intellectual lineages (e.g., 'the analytical tradition in philosophy'). It can be used both as a countable noun for specific practices and an uncountable noun for the concept of historical continuity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'habit' when they mean 'tradition'. A habit is personal and repetitive, while a tradition is social, cultural, and carries historical weight.
Memory Tip
Think of the Latin root 'tradere', which means 'to hand over'. Imagine a baton being handed over in a relay race that spans centuries.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'traditio', meaning 'a handing over, delivery, or surrender'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Traditions often serve as the primary markers of ethnic or national identity, though they are frequently 'invented' or modified to suit contemporary political needs.
Quick Quiz
The scholar's work is deeply rooted in the Western _______ of rationalism.
Correct!
The correct answer is: tradition
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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