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
The customary way to celebrate Thanksgiving in the US is by having a big meal with family. [customary: adjective]
typical
Example
This is a typical example of a Gothic novel. [typical: adjective]
Example
It's typical for teenagers to stay up late and sleep in on weekends. [typical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Typical is more commonly used than customary in everyday language. Typical is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while customary is less common and refers to specific cultural or societal practices.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between customary and typical?
Customary has a more formal connotation than typical, which is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
