Words / B2

tr-uh-DISH-uh-nl/trəˈdɪʃənl/

Traditional means following long-established customs or methods: traditional dress; a traditional approach; traditional industries. Tradition is already in the dictionary. Conventional is close; old-fashioned can be negative. Do not call last year’s app traditional. Sociology: traditional gender roles — define if you use it.

Meaning

Following ideas, methods, or customs that have existed for a long time.

Examples

• “The traditional lecture was replaced by shorter seminars.”
• “Traditional industries declined after the docks closed.”

Good to know

traditional + noun; a traditional approach. Noun: tradition. Close: conventional. Negative twin: old-fashioned. Not last season’s fashion. Roles: traditional gender roles.

Near in meaning

conventional

New