untraditional
Adjective: - Not conforming to or in accord with tradition: Describes something that does not follow established customs, beliefs, or methods that have been passed down over time. It implies a departure from conventional or long-accepted ways.
The adjective "untraditional" is used to describe ideas, methods, practices, or styles that break from what is considered standard or customary. It often carries a neutral or descriptive tone, though context can imply either positive innovation or negative disregard for norms. - It typically modifies nouns such as approach, method, family, wedding, design, or idea. - It is synonymous with "nontraditional," and the two forms are often used interchangeably.
- The couple had an untraditional wedding ceremony on a beach instead of in a church.
- Her untraditional approach to teaching involved no textbooks and lots of outdoor activities.
- He comes from an untraditional family structure with two fathers.
- "Untraditional" vs. "Innovative": While "untraditional" simply means not following tradition, "innovative" positively emphasizes the introduction of new, original, and effective ideas. An untraditional method is not necessarily innovative; it may just be different.
- Cultural Context: What is considered untraditional can vary greatly between different cultures and time periods.
- Nontraditional (adj): Having the same meaning as "untraditional." This variant is very common.
- Nontraditional students (e.g., older adults returning to university).
- Tradition (n): A belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time.
- Traditional (adj): Following or belonging to the customs or ways of behaving that have continued in a group of people or society for a long time.
- Unconventional: Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.
- Unorthodox: Contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted.
- Radical: Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.
- Alternative: (Of one or more things) available as another possibility or choice.
- Traditional: Following long-established customs.
- Conventional: Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed.
- Orthodox: Following or conforming to the traditional or generally accepted rules or beliefs.
(Note: "Untraditional" itself is not commonly used in fixed idioms. The concept is more frequently expressed through phrases using its synonyms.) - To break with tradition: To stop following traditional customs. - By choosing a secular ceremony, they decided to break with tradition. - To go against the grain: To act or behave in a way that is different from what is normal or usual. - His untraditional career path really went against the grain.
- not conforming to or in accord with tradition
- nontraditional designs
- nontraditional practices