customary
KUHS-tuh-mree
Customary (adj) means Usual, in keeping with normal practice or habit. Example: “It is customary to tip your server in many countries.”
adj
1
Usual, in keeping with normal practice or habit.
"It is customary to tip your server in many countries."
"She took her customary seat by the window."
"It is customary to take off your shoes when entering a home."
How to use customary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNormal or expected, based on habit or tradition.
Common pairings
customary practice
customary greeting
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Word forms
- Plural
- customaries
- Comparative
- more customary
- Superlative
- most customary
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It is _____ to tip your server in many countries.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin custumarius, from custom + the adjective ending -ary.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for customary
See all rhymes for customary →Frequently asked questions
What does “customary” mean?
The word “customary” means usual, in keeping with normal practice or habit. In plain terms, normal or expected, based on habit or tradition.
How do you pronounce “customary”?
“Customary” is pronounced KUHS-tuh-mree (/ˈkʌs.təˌmɛɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “customary” in a sentence?
Here is “customary” used in a sentence: “It is customary to tip your server in many countries.”
What part of speech is “customary”?
“Customary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “customary” come from?
The word “customary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin custumarius, from custom + the adjective ending -ary.
Is “customary” a common word?
“Customary” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
