customary

customary — adjective

1. Something that is customary is what people typically do or expect in a particula

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

Something that is customary is what people typically do or expect in a particular situation because it has become the normal and accepted way of behaving there, even if it is not based on a written rule.

Example

It is customary for the Tuan family to gather for dinner every Sunday evening.

it is customary for + noun + to-infinitive

Ravindra gave a short speech, as is customary at company retirement parties.

as is customary (adverbial clause)

Common collocations
  • customary practice
  • customary to do
  • customary for
  • as is customary
Synonyms
  • usual

    more general and neutral; can describe both social norms and personal routines

  • standard

    emphasises an expected norm or benchmark that people follow

  • conventional

    suggests something is done because it is widely accepted, often with a slight formality

Antonyms
  • unusual

    something that does not normally happen or is not expected

  • rare

    happening very infrequently, not part of the normal pattern

Grammar Patterns

it is customary + to-infinitive

it is customary for + noun + to-infinitive

customary + noun

Usage Note

Often used in the impersonal construction 'It is customary (for someone) to do something', especially when describing social etiquette or common practice in a particular culture or group.

Common Mistakes

It is habitual to bow when meeting elders in Japan.
It is customary to bow when meeting elders in Japan.
'habitual' describes an individual's repeated actions, while 'customary' refers to shared social norms.

2. Something that is customary in this sense is a long-established tradition, ritua

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

Something that is customary in this sense is a long-established tradition, ritual, or inherited right that a community or culture has followed for many generations.

Example

The villagers performed the customary dance to celebrate the harvest season.

Among local Māori iwi, the customary right to gather pāua has been recognised for generations.

collocation: customary right

Common collocations
  • customary right
  • customary law
  • customary greeting
  • customary ritual
  • customary practice
Synonyms
  • traditional

    more common in everyday use; strongly implies a long cultural history

  • established

    focuses on something being well-known, accepted, and firmly in place

  • conventional

    emphasises conformity to widely accepted standards or practices

Antonyms
  • modern

    belonging to the present time, not rooted in old customs

  • innovative

    introducing new ideas or methods rather than following tradition

Grammar Patterns

customary + noun

Usage Note

Typically appears before a noun describing a long-standing tradition, ritual, or legal entitlement. Less common than sense 1 in everyday conversation, but frequent in legal, anthropological, and ceremonial contexts.

Common Mistakes

The team followed their customary strategy of fast passes and long shots.' (vague modern practice).
The tribe performed the customary harvest ritual, as their ancestors had done for centuries.
In sense 2, 'customary' emphasises tradition with deep historical roots, not just any repeated action.