Custom

Definition

Custom is a noun that refers to a traditional practice, behavior, or way of doing something within a particular society, place, or group. As an adjective, it describes something made or tailored to an individual’s specifications.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʌstəm/
• Respelling: KUS-tuhm

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʌstəm/
• Respelling: KUS-tuhm

Etymology

The word "custom" originates from the Latin "consuetudinem," meaning "habit" or "practice," derived from "consuescere" (to accustom). The term entered Old French as "costume" and Middle English as "custom," carrying the meaning of established tradition or habitual practice.

Derivatives

• Customary (adjective)
• Customize (verb)
• Customer (noun)
• Customs (plural noun)
• Customizable (adjective)

Synonyms

• Tradition
• Practice
• Habit

Antonyms

• Innovation
• Change
• Deviation

Usage

The term "custom" is commonly used to describe long-standing practices within a community or culture, such as "It is a custom to exchange gifts during the holiday." As an adjective, it is often used in commerce to refer to items tailored to individual preferences, for example, "He ordered a custom suit."

Related Terms

• Ritual: A series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
• Tradition: The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
• Conventional: Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A traditional practice or habitual way of behaving: Refers to a repeated behavior or tradition followed by a group or society.
  • Example: "In their culture, it is a custom to greet guests with tea."
• The regular patronage of a business by customers: Refers to the habitual use of a service or product by consumers.
  • Example: "The café relies on the custom of local residents."

Adjective

• Made or done to order for a specific customer: Describes products or services tailored to an individual’s preferences.
  • Example: "He ordered a custom design for his car interior."