Tradition vs. Custom: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 17, 2023
Tradition is a practice or belief handed down through generations, while custom is a usual practice or established convention within a particular group, region, or time.
Key Differences
Tradition generally refers to a practice, belief, or custom that has been passed down from generation to generation within families or societies. It typically has a historical context that adds value or meaning to the practice. Custom, on the other hand, can refer to a behavior or practice that is more localized, being prevalent within a specific group, time period, or region. It may not necessarily have the same historical weight as a tradition.
Both words can serve as nouns, and both can describe societal norms or practices, but their implications differ. Tradition often has a deeper emotional or philosophical context, something that's done because it's tied to cultural, familial, or societal identity. Custom is often more about pragmatism or local preference, without the emotional or philosophical underpinning that a tradition may have.
Grammatically, both tradition and custom function primarily as nouns. They can also be modified into adjectives, like 'traditional' and 'customary.' In general, tradition tends to be used in contexts that imply an established, long-standing practice. Custom often has a more flexible usage and can apply to newer or more localized practices.
Safety is generally not a concern with either tradition or custom unless the specific activity involves some risk. However, it's worth noting that some traditions or customs could be considered controversial or harmful, either ethically or physically. Both terms can be positive or negative, depending on the context in which they are used.
Comparison Chart
Type
Generally long-standing
Can be newer, more localized
ADVERTISEMENT
Emotional Weight
Often has deeper significance
Usually pragmatic or preference-based
Part of Speech
Primarily a noun
Primarily a noun
Adjective Form
Traditional
Customary
Flexibility
Less flexible, often tied to identity
More flexible, subject to change
Tradition and Custom Definitions
Tradition
A long-standing practice passed down through generations.
Thanksgiving is a tradition celebrated by many Americans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Custom
A prevalent behavior or usage.
According to custom, guests should bring a small gift.
Tradition
A rule or method inherited from predecessors.
The legal system upholds the tradition of due process.
Custom
A pattern of activity or manner.
Morning coffee is his daily custom.
Tradition
The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication
Cultural practices that are preserved by tradition.
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Tradition
A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage
The traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
Tradition
A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present
Followed family tradition in dress and manners.
Custom
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
Tradition
A precept or a body of precepts that are not written in the sacred book of a religion, such as the Bible, but are considered holy or true.
Custom
Habitual manner or practice
I am not by custom a coffee drinker.
Tradition
A style or method of an activity or practice, especially of artistic expression, that is recognized and sometimes imitated
Satire in the tradition of Jonathan Swift.
Custom
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
Tradition
A piece of folklore
"a popular medieval tradition that identified the queen of Sheba with the Blessed Virgin Mary" (Nicholas Clapp).
Custom
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Tradition
A part of culture that is passed from person to person or generation to generation, possibly differing in detail from family to family, such as the way to celebrate holidays.
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
Tradition
A commonly held system. en
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Tradition
An established or distinctive style or method:
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Tradition
The act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery.
Custom
Tribute, service, or rent paid by a feudal tenant to a lord.
Tradition
(obsolete) To transmit by way of tradition; to hand down.
Custom
Made to order
Custom suits.
Tradition
The act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery.
Custom
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Tradition
The unwritten or oral delivery of information, opinions, doctrines, practices, rites, and customs, from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; the transmission of any knowledge, opinions, or practice, from forefathers to descendants by oral communication, without written memorials.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
Tradition
Hence, that which is transmitted orally from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; knowledge or belief transmitted without the aid of written memorials; custom or practice long observed.
Will you mock at an ancient tradition begun upon an honorable respect?
Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand-Pré.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
Tradition
An unwritten code of law represented to have been given by God to Moses on Sinai.
Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered.
Custom
(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
Tradition
That body of doctrine and discipline, or any article thereof, supposed to have been put forth by Christ or his apostles, and not committed to writing.
Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle.
Custom
(legal) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
Tradition
To transmit by way of tradition; to hand down.
The following story is . . . traditioned with very much credit amongst our English Catholics.
Custom
Traditional beliefs or rituals.
The Ancient Egyptian culture had many distinctive and interesting beliefs and customs; one custom was the mummification of the dead.
Tradition
An inherited pattern of thought or action
Custom
A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, pornography, etc.
Tradition
A specific practice of long standing
Custom
(obsolete) Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.
Tradition
A belief sustained within a particular group over time.
The tradition of arranged marriages is prevalent in some cultures.
Custom
Toll, tax, or tribute.
Tradition
A ritual or ceremony that is regularly observed.
The tradition of shaking hands is common in business settings.
Custom
Created under particular specifications, specially to fit one's needs: specialized, unique, custom-made.
My feet are very large, so I need custom shoes.
Tradition
A cultural artifact or story preserved over time.
Oral storytelling is a rich tradition in many communities.
Custom
Own, personal, not standard or premade.
We can embroider a wide range of ready designs or a custom logo.
Custom
(archaic) Accustomed; usual.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
To have a custom.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same act; way of acting common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; usage; method of doing or living.
And teach customs which are not lawful.
Moved beyond his custom, Gama said.
A customMore honored in the breach than the observance.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods; practice of frequenting, as a shop, manufactory, etc., for making purchases or giving orders; business support.
Let him have your custom, but not your votes.
Custom
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
Custom
Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
Age can not wither her, nor custom staleHer infinite variety.
Custom
The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
Custom
Duties or tolls imposed by law on commodities, imported or exported.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To have a custom.
On a bridge he custometh to fight.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
Accepted or habitual practice
Custom
A specific practice of long standing
Custom
Money collected under a tariff
Custom
Habitual patronage;
I have given this tailor my custom for many years
Custom
Made according to the specifications of an individual
Custom
A habitual practice within a community.
It's a custom to greet people with a hug in some countries.
Custom
A cultural convention or norm.
The custom of removing shoes indoors is common in Asian homes.
Custom
A tailored specification or design.
She ordered a car with custom features.
FAQs
Is custom specific to a country?
Customs can be specific to countries, regions, or even smaller communities.
Can traditions change over time?
Traditions can evolve, but their core usually remains consistent.
Is tradition always positive?
Traditions can be either positive or negative, depending on the context.
Is tradition always religious?
No, traditions can be cultural, familial, or even personal.
Is custom always positive?
Customs can also be either positive or negative.
What is the adjective form of tradition?
The adjective form is "traditional."
Are customs fixed or can they change?
Customs are more flexible and can change more easily than traditions.
Can tradition also refer to an object?
Yes, some objects like heirlooms can be considered traditions.
Is tradition older than custom?
Not necessarily; traditions are just more likely to be long-standing.
Can individuals have their own customs?
Yes, individuals can also have personal customs.
What is the adjective form of custom?
The adjective form is "customary."
Can individuals have their own traditions?
Yes, individuals or small groups can have personal traditions.
How do you describe something that's both a tradition and a custom?
You can say it's a "traditional custom" or a "customary tradition."
Can custom refer to an object?
Less commonly, but custom-made objects can be described as such.
Do all societies have traditions and customs?
Yes, every society has its own set of traditions and customs.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
