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customary Definition

cus·tom·ary (kus′tə mer′ē)

adjective

  1. in keeping with custom, or usage; usual; habitual
  2. Law holding or held by custom

Etymology: ML customarius: see custom

noun pl. -·ar′·ies

a collection of the laws established by custom for a manor, region, etc.

customary Related Forms

cus′·tom·ar′i·ness noun

customary Synonyms

customary

modif.

usual, wonted, habitual; see common 1, conventional 1, 2. See syn. study at usual.

customary Usage Examples

Preposition: at

time: There are no mistakes in my arithmetic; it was customary at the time to study at several universities.

Modifies a noun

  • tenure: Formerly held in customary tenure of the earl of Thanet by the yearly rent of 6d.
  • tenement: In 1641 Helden was admitted to the customary tenement, then called the Prison House, which his widow Frances held in 1656.
  • tenant: On admittance to a tenement, each customary tenant had to pay a fine of 1d.
  • greeting: When entering a Japanese home or restaurant it is customary to remove shoes, and bowing is the customary greeting.
  • law: However, most people remained " tenants at will " of the State, even where they worked the land under customary law.
  • wit: Simon James has captured this delightful and appealing character to perfection with his customary wit and charm.

Modifying Another Word

  • now: There is a now customary solid feel about the Honda.
  • then: In the same decade the Southern Railroad rebuilt the station platform sides with the then customary prefabricated concrete.
  • also: It is also customary to leave a tip for the waiter.
  • still: And how could it have been carried out while public sacrifices were still customary?
  • not: Tipping Tipping is not customary in Kenya, however a 10 % service charge may be added to bill in more upmarket restaurants.

Infinitive complement

  • tip: It is customary to tip the guard for loading luggage.
  • leave: It is also customary to leave a tip for the waiter.
  • give: It is customary to give a little extra for good service.
  • say: The paper is detested in certain circles, and it has become customary to say " Ah, but that's Bedford on Sunday!
  • offer: It's customary to offer your guests a drink to welcome them to your reception.

Used with adjective complement

become: However it has become customary for people to give about 10 percent of their wages.

Preposition: in

trade: Plaintiff: But it is customary in the trade to send a thing back immediately if not approved.

Preposition: for

man: It is customary for the best man to slate the groom in his speech.