Tradition vs. Custom: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Emotional Weight
Often has deeper significance
Usually pragmatic or preference-based
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Flexibility
Less flexible, often tied to identity
More flexible, subject to change
Sara Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Tradition and Custom Definitions
Tradition
A long-standing practice passed down through generations.
Thanksgiving is a tradition celebrated by many Americans.
Sara Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
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Custom
A prevalent behavior or usage.
According to custom, guests should bring a small gift.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Tradition
A rule or method inherited from predecessors.
The legal system upholds the tradition of due process.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Tradition
The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication
Cultural practices that are preserved by tradition.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Tradition
A piece of folklore
"a popular medieval tradition that identified the queen of Sheba with the Blessed Virgin Mary" (Nicholas Clapp).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
(legal) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Tradition
To transmit by way of tradition; to hand down.
The following story is . . . traditioned with very much credit amongst our English Catholics.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Tradition
A belief sustained within a particular group over time.
The tradition of arranged marriages is prevalent in some cultures.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Tradition
A ritual or ceremony that is regularly observed.
The tradition of shaking hands is common in business settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Tradition
A cultural artifact or story preserved over time.
Oral storytelling is a rich tradition in many communities.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Custom
Own, personal, not standard or premade.
We can embroider a wide range of ready designs or a custom logo.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
Age can not wither her, nor custom staleHer infinite variety.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 09, 2022
Custom
A habitual practice within a community.
It's a custom to greet people with a hug in some countries.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Custom
A cultural convention or norm.
The custom of removing shoes indoors is common in Asian homes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Custom
A tailored specification or design.
She ordered a car with custom features.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023
FAQs
Is custom specific to a country?
Customs can be specific to countries, regions, or even smaller communities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Can traditions change over time?
Traditions can evolve, but their core usually remains consistent.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Is tradition always positive?
Traditions can be either positive or negative, depending on the context.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Is tradition always religious?
No, traditions can be cultural, familial, or even personal.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
What is the adjective form of tradition?
The adjective form is "traditional."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Are customs fixed or can they change?
Customs are more flexible and can change more easily than traditions.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023
Can tradition also refer to an object?
Yes, some objects like heirlooms can be considered traditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Is tradition older than custom?
Not necessarily; traditions are just more likely to be long-standing.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Can individuals have their own customs?
Yes, individuals can also have personal customs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Can individuals have their own traditions?
Yes, individuals or small groups can have personal traditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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."
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Can custom refer to an object?
Less commonly, but custom-made objects can be described as such.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Do all societies have traditions and customs?
Yes, every society has its own set of traditions and customs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
