What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
customary
Example
It is customary to bow when greeting someone in Japan. [customary: adjective]
Example
It is customary for the family to gather for dinner on Sundays. [customary: adjective]
normal
Example
It's normal to feel nervous before a big test. [normal: adjective]
Example
The doctor said my blood pressure is normal. [normal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Normal is a more common word than customary in everyday language. Normal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while customary is less common and refers to specific cultural or societal expectations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between customary and normal?
Both customary and normal can be used in formal and informal contexts, but customary may be more associated with formal language due to its specificity to cultural or societal expectations.
