Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or based on very old customs, beliefs, or methods: Describes something that has been passed down from generation to generation and is long-established.
   • Adhering to past practices or conventions: Describes a preference for maintaining long-standing ways of doing things over new or modern ones.

Usage and Examples

• General Use:

  • They wore traditional clothing for the festival. (Their clothing was of the style used by their ancestors for a long time.)
  • It is traditional in our family to have a large dinner on Sundays. (This is a long-established custom in our family.)

• In Contrast to Modern:

  • He prefers traditional methods of farming over new technologies. (He favors the older, time-tested ways of farming.)
  • The building's design is very traditional. (The design follows classic, historical styles.)

Advanced Usage

• "Traditional values": Moral principles or beliefs that are considered part of a society's long-established heritage.

  • The politician's campaign focused on preserving traditional values.

• "In the traditional sense": According to the original, conventional, or historical meaning.

  • It's not a wedding in the traditional sense, but it was a beautiful ceremony.

Variants and Related Words

• Tradition (n): A custom or belief that is passed down within a group or society.

  • The holiday is based on an ancient tradition.

• Traditionally (adv): In a way that is based on or follows tradition.

  • The dish is traditionally served with rice.

• Traditionalist (n): A person who supports established customs and beliefs and opposes change.

  • He is a traditionalist who dislikes modern art.

Synonyms

• Conventional: Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed.
• Customary: According to the customs or usual practices of a particular group.
• Orthodox: Conforming to what is traditionally accepted as right or true.

Antonyms

• Modern: Relating to the present or recent times, as opposed to the past.
• Progressive: Favoring or implementing new ideas or social reform.
• Unconventional: Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Break with tradition": To stop following a long-established custom.

  • By getting married abroad, they decided to break with tradition.

• "Steeped in tradition": Deeply influenced by or full of tradition.

  • The university is an institution steeped in tradition.

Adjective

1. pertaining to time-honored orthodox doctrines
   • the simple security of traditional assumptions has vanished
2. consisting of or derived from tradition
   • traditional history
   • traditional morality