Words / C1

KUST-uh-m-uh-ree/ˈkʌstəməri/

Customary means usual in a particular setting: it is customary to wait, the customary fee. Usual and normal are everyday; traditional points to the past. Custom is the noun (a usual practice); customer is a shopper — extra r. Habitual is more about a person’s routine. Do not write customary for a one-off fashion.

Meaning

Usual in a particular place, group, or situation.

Examples

• “It is customary to wait until everyone is served.”
• “It is customary here to take shoes off at the door, not a national law.”
• “The chair gave the customary thanks and then the uncustomary apology.”

Good to know

Usual in that place/group. Everyday: usual. Noun: custom (practice). Mix-up: customer (shopper).

Near in meaning

usual

New