adj C1 Advanced Uncommon

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

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."

How to use customary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNormal or expected, based on habit or tradition.

Common pairings

customary practice customary greeting

more customary comparative, customaries plural, most customary superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

It is _____ to tip your server in many countries.

From Medieval Latin custumarius, from custom + the adjective ending -ary.

Origin: Medieval Latin

vary Mary nary wary Gary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary

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.