WordGarden.iocustomarily
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˌʌstəmˈɛrəli/
US
- /ˌkəstəˈmɛrəli/
Meanings
Adverb
usually, or according to custom
Beyond the definition
Imagine your grandmother making her famous apple pie every Thanksgiving. She doesn't have to, but she does it customarily—meaning it's a tradition and something she does year after year. "Customarily" describes actions done in the usual way, according to custom or habit. It suggests something is expected or typical within a certain group or situation. You might say students customarily raise their hands before speaking in class, or that people customarily exchange gifts during the holidays. It's more than just "usually"; it implies a long-standing practice.
"Customarily" describes something done as a habit, according to established custom, or in the way things are typically done. It's often not about formal rules or laws; it's about what people expect to happen based on tradition and repeated behavior. Think of it like an unspoken agreement within a community or group.
For example, "In this town, families customarily decorate their houses with lights during December." This means decorating isn't required, but it's the normal, expected thing to do. Or, "The tribe customarily holds a ceremony to celebrate the harvest," suggesting a long-held tradition passed down through generations.
"Customarily" is often used when describing social norms or practices that aren't written down anywhere. It's about what is done, not necessarily what should be done. While "usually" simply indicates frequency, "customarily" emphasizes the role of habit and tradition.
You might encounter it in historical contexts ("Customarily, knights would challenge each other to duels") or when describing cultural practices ("In Japan, guests customarily remove their shoes before entering a home"). It's a word that hints at the weight of history and the power of habit in shaping our behaviors. So, if something happens customarily, it's happening because that's just how things have always been done—and people expect it to continue that way.
Examples
- 1
Cultural habit
In Japan, people customarily take off their shoes before entering a home.
- 2
Meeting routine
The chair customarily opens the meeting with a few brief remarks.
- 3
Hospitality
Guests are customarily offered tea when they arrive.
- 4
Ceremony
The award is customarily presented on the final night of the festival.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- customarily used
- customarily done
- customarily expected
Word family
Explore
- social convention
- tradition
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- customarilyadverb