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Traditional Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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traditional

[trษ™หˆdษชสƒษ™nl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

culture

Relating to or characteristic of a particular custom, belief, or practice that has existed for a long time.

Synonyms

conventional, customary, time-honored.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
traditional

This word is used to describe something that has been done in the same way for a long time and is deeply rooted in the history or culture of a group.

  • It's a traditional meal served during the holidays.
  • They wore traditional clothing for the ceremony.
conventional

Conventional is used to describe something that is standard or usual, typical for a certain group or society but not necessarily old or cultural.

  • They followed conventional methods in their research.
  • Conventional wisdom suggests that you should save 10% of your income.
customary

Customary is often used to describe something that is a common practice or tradition within a specific community or group.

  • It's customary to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time.
  • In some cultures, it's customary to take off your shoes before entering a home.
time-honored

This term refers to practices, traditions, or methods that have been respected and followed for a long duration and are often associated with a sense of nostalgia or respect.

  • He stuck to the time-honored tradition of giving his speech after dinner.
  • The festival is a time-honored event in the town.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a traditional wedding dress passed down through generations.
  • The festival celebrates traditional music and dance from around the world.
Context #2 | Adjective

food

Referring to dishes or ingredients that are typically consumed or prepared in a specific region or culture.

Synonyms

authentic, classic, native.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
traditional

Used when referring to customs, beliefs, or ways of doing things that have been passed down through generations.

  • They held a traditional wedding ceremony.
  • The recipe follows a traditional method.
authentic

Refers to something that is genuine, real, or true to its origin.

  • The restaurant serves authentic Italian food.
  • She bought an authentic Picasso painting.
classic

Used to describe something that has a timeless quality and is considered to be traditional and of high quality.

  • He wore a classic black suit to the event.
  • Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel.
native

Refers to someone or something originating from a specific place, often used with languages, plants, or people.

  • Native speakers of Spanish can often understand Portuguese.
  • This plant is native to South America.

Examples of usage

  • The restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine.
  • She learned to cook traditional Chinese recipes from her grandmother.
Context #3 | Adjective

values

Following or adhering to long-established customs or beliefs, especially in a conservative or orthodox way.

Synonyms

conservative, old-fashioned, orthodox.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
traditional

Used when referring to long-established customs, beliefs, or practices that are passed down through generations.

  • They celebrated the traditional holiday with family and friends
  • Traditional dishes were served at the festival
conservative

Used to describe someone or something that is cautious about change, often preferring to stick with what is known and established. This word can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation.

  • He has conservative views on education reform
  • The company follows conservative financial practices
orthodox

Used in the context of conforming strictly to traditional and established rules or beliefs, especially in religion.

  • They are members of the orthodox church
  • His orthodox approach to medicine follows traditional principles
old-fashioned

Used to describe something that is not modern and is often dated. This can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying that the thing is out of style or no longer suitable.

  • Her dress sense is quite old-fashioned
  • His views on gender roles are considered old-fashioned

Examples of usage

  • He is a traditionalist who believes in upholding traditional family values.
  • The tribe has a strong sense of traditional spirituality.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Traditions often help strengthen community bonds, bringing people together for celebrations or rituals.
  • Different cultures have unique traditions that reflect their history, values, and worldview.
  • Some traditional practices may change over time, evolving while still maintaining their core values.

Psychology

  • Following traditions can provide a sense of security and predictability in an ever-changing world.
  • Participating in traditional activities can evoke feelings of nostalgia and belonging.
  • Many people feel a stronger identity and connection to their roots through traditional customs.

Literature

  • Many classic stories and folklore are rooted in traditional narratives that convey moral lessons.
  • Traditional poetry often uses specific structures and themes that connect to cultural identities.
  • Folktales are a prime example of how traditions are passed on, showcasing cultural values through storytelling.

Modern Adaptations

  • In todayโ€™s world, many traditions are adapted to fit modern lifestyles while trying to preserve their essence.
  • Some traditional festivals are now celebrated globally, showing how customs can transcend geographic boundaries.
  • Technology has also influenced how traditions are maintained, with social media allowing people to share their customs widely.

Origin of 'traditional'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'traditio', which means 'to hand over' or 'to deliver'.
  • Originally, it related to the passing down of beliefs and customs from one generation to the next.
  • In English, it started being used in the late 14th century with similar meanings we use today.

The word 'traditional' originates from the Latin word 'traditionฤlis', which is derived from the verb 'tradere' meaning 'to hand over, to give for safekeeping'. The concept of tradition and customs has been essential in human societies for centuries, shaping cultural identities and practices. The notion of 'traditional' often implies a sense of continuity with the past and a respect for ancestral knowledge and practices.

See also: nontraditional, nontraditionalism, traditionalist, traditionally, traditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,380, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.