Custom Meaning
/ˈkʌstəm/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounFrequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
nounHabitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
Sentence Examples
We are bored with the joke of professorial custom.
It is our custom to take off our shoes when we enter the house.
CEFR Practice Quiz
It is a local ____ to eat dumplings during the winter festival.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We are bored with the joke of professorial ____.
Word Origin & History
PIE word *ḱóm PIE word *swé From Middle English custume, borrowed from Anglo-Norman custume, inherited from Latin consuētūdinem, a noun derived from cōnsuēscō, from con- (“with”) + suēscō (“become used or accustomed to”). Displaced native Old English ġewuna. Doublet of costume, consuetude, and kastom. The adjectival form first appears c. 1830.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A custom
More honour'd in the breach than the observance."
— c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iv]:
"20 […] These men being Iewes, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customes which are not lawfull for vs to receiue, neither to obserue, being Romanes."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Acts 16:20-21:
"For first Mr. Dier's opinion was that the ancient custom for exportation was by the common laws; and goeth furder, that that ancient custom was the custom upon wools, woolfells, and leather."
— a. 1627 (date written), Francis Bacon, “A.D. 1610. Ætat. 50.”, in James Spedding, editor, The Works of Francis Bacon, […]: The Letters and the Life of Francis Bacon […], volume IV, London: Longmans, Green, Reader, and Dyer, published 1858, →OCLC, page 194:
"Moved beyond his custom, Gama said"
— 1847, Alfred Tennyson, “Part 6”, in The Princess: A Medley, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC:
"Let him have your custom, but not your votes."
— 1710 September 28, Joseph Addison, The Whig Examiner, number 3:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
It is a local ____ to eat dumplings during the winter festival.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We are bored with the joke of professorial ____.