custom

[ˈkʌstəm]

custom Definition

  • 1a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time
  • 2a practice followed by people of a particular group or region

Using custom: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "custom" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    It's a custom in Japan to bow when greeting someone.

  • Example

    The wedding customs of different cultures vary widely.

  • Example

    The company has a custom of giving bonuses to employees at the end of the year.

custom Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for custom

Idioms Using custom

  • second nature (to someone)

    a habit or skill that someone has acquired so well that it seems natural and automatic

    Example

    After years of playing the piano, it became second nature to her.

  • to do something in a way that is different from what is usually done or expected

    Example

    The new CEO decided to break with tradition and hold the company's annual meeting online.

  • something that is no longer new or interesting

    Example

    The idea of using social media to promote a business is old hat now.

Phrases with custom

  • custom-made

    made to fit a particular person or purpose

    Example

    She had a custom-made dress for the wedding.

  • a tax on goods that are imported or exported

    Example

    The customs duty on luxury cars is very high.

  • an official who works at a border or port and checks people's bags and passports to make sure they are not carrying anything illegal

    Example

    The customs officer asked to see his passport and searched his luggage.

Origins of custom

from Old French 'coustume', from Latin 'consuetudo', meaning 'habit'

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Summary: custom in Brief

The term 'custom' [ˈkʌstəm] refers to traditional and widely accepted ways of behaving or doing things that are specific to a particular society, place, or time. It can refer to practices followed by people of a particular group or region, such as 'The wedding customs of different cultures vary widely.' 'Custom' extends into phrases like 'custom-made,' denoting something made to fit a particular person or purpose, and idioms like 'second nature,' implying a habit or skill that someone has acquired so well that it seems natural and automatic.

How do native speakers use this expression?