Custom vs. Customary — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
Custom involves established practices unique to specific cultures or groups, while customary refers to actions or standards accepted as normal and expected in a society.
Difference Between Custom and Customary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Custom refers to a practice or tradition that is developed over time and specific to a particular group or society. It often has cultural or historical significance, making it integral to social identity. On the other hand, customary pertains to behaviors or norms that are widely accepted and practiced within a broader context, often without formal establishment but by general consensus.
Custom can be seen in rituals and ceremonies that vary from one culture to another, reflecting unique heritage and values. Whereas customary behaviors often include general etiquette or day-to-day practices that are so common they go unquestioned, like shaking hands when meeting someone.
Custom may require active participation and sometimes formal initiation, such as in tribal rites or religious ceremonies. Conversely, customary practices can be as simple as daily greetings or routine courtesies, easily adopted and performed without special knowledge.
Custom often carries a deeper emotional or symbolic meaning for those who practice it, linking present members of the community with their ancestors. On the other hand, customary might not evoke as much personal or emotional significance but functions to maintain social order.
Customs can change or evolve but usually do so slowly, preserving the continuity of the cultural identity. Whereas customary practices can shift more quickly in response to changes in social attitudes or the introduction of new norms.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Practices specific to a group, with deep cultural or historical roots.
General norms or behaviors widely accepted without formal declaration.
Scope
Specific to a community or culture.
Applicable broadly across many societies.
Emotional Significance
Often significant, with personal and communal resonance.
Less personal, more about social cohesion.
Change and Evolution
Changes slowly, preserving cultural continuity.
Adapts more quickly to societal changes.
Participation
May require specific knowledge or initiation.
Generally involves common knowledge and behaviors.
Compare with Definitions
Custom
A traditional practice among a specific group.
Wearing black to a funeral is a custom in many cultures.
Customary
Typical or routine.
It is customary for her to check her email first thing in the morning.
Custom
A duty or tax on imported goods.
The customs officer checked our bags for taxable items.
Customary
According to usual practices or habits.
It’s customary to tip waitstaff at least 15% in the United States.
Custom
An established pattern of behavior that can be religious or societal.
The custom of giving gifts during Christmas is widely observed.
Customary
Regularly done.
Their customary weekend hike took them through five miles of scenic trails.
Custom
A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time
Custom demanded that a person should have gifts for the child
The old English custom of dancing round the maypole
Customary
Pertaining to common law.
In some regions, customary law governs inheritance and property rights.
Custom
Regular dealings with a shop or business by customers
If you keep me waiting, I will take my custom elsewhere
Customary
Commonly practiced, used, or encountered; usual.
Custom
Made or done to order; custom-made
A custom guitar
Customary
Based on custom or tradition rather than written law or contract.
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Customary
In accordance with, or established by, custom or common usage
Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
Customary
Holding or held by custom
Customary tenants
Custom
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
Customary
(law) A book containing laws and usages, or customs; a custumal.
Custom
Habitual manner or practice
I am not by custom a coffee drinker.
Customary
Agreeing with, or established by, custom; established by common usage; conventional; habitual.
Even now I met himWith customary compliment.
A formal customary attendance upon the offices.
Custom
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
Customary
Holding or held by custom; as, customary tenants; customary service or estate.
Custom
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Customary
A book containing laws and usages, or customs; as, the Customary of the Normans.
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
Customary
In accordance with convention or custom;
Sealed the deal with the customary handshake
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Customary
Commonly used or practiced; usual;
His accustomed thoroughness
Took his customary morning walk
His habitual comment
With her wonted candor
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Customary
Expected by social norms or etiquette.
Offering a handshake in greeting is customary in many Western cultures.
Custom
Tribute, service, or rent paid by a feudal tenant to a lord.
Custom
Made to order
Custom suits.
Custom
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
Custom
(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
Custom
(legal) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
Custom
Traditional beliefs or rituals.
The Ancient Egyptian culture had many distinctive and interesting beliefs and customs; one custom was the mummification of the dead.
Custom
A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, pornography, etc.
Custom
(obsolete) Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.
Custom
Toll, tax, or tribute.
Custom
Created under particular specifications, specially to fit one's needs: specialized, unique, custom-made.
My feet are very large, so I need custom shoes.
Custom
Own, personal, not standard or premade.
We can embroider a wide range of ready designs or a custom logo.
Custom
(archaic) Accustomed; usual.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
To have a custom.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same act; way of acting common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; usage; method of doing or living.
And teach customs which are not lawful.
Moved beyond his custom, Gama said.
A customMore honored in the breach than the observance.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods; practice of frequenting, as a shop, manufactory, etc., for making purchases or giving orders; business support.
Let him have your custom, but not your votes.
Custom
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
Custom
Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
Age can not wither her, nor custom staleHer infinite variety.
Custom
The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
Custom
Duties or tolls imposed by law on commodities, imported or exported.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To have a custom.
On a bridge he custometh to fight.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
Accepted or habitual practice
Custom
A specific practice of long standing
Custom
Money collected under a tariff
Custom
Habitual patronage;
I have given this tailor my custom for many years
Custom
Made according to the specifications of an individual
Custom
A habitual practice unique to an individual or group.
It’s his custom to go for a run every morning before breakfast.
Custom
A rule or law relating to traditional practices.
Local customs dictate that guests must remove their shoes before entering the house.
Common Curiosities
How are customs preserved within a community?
Through continual practice and the passing down of traditions from one generation to the next.
Can something be both custom and customary?
Yes, practices can be both custom and customary if they originate from tradition yet are widely accepted and practiced across societies.
What distinguishes a custom from a customary practice?
Custom refers to specific traditions or practices within a group, while customary encompasses broader behaviors accepted as normal by society.
How do newcomers learn customary practices in a new culture?
Newcomers learn through observation, interaction with locals, and sometimes formal education or orientation.
How does custom impact cultural identity?
Custom plays a crucial role in defining and maintaining the unique cultural identity of a group.
Are there any customs that have become less common in modern times?
Many customs, especially those requiring extensive time or resources, have diminished with modernization and changing values.
Can a custom become legally enforceable?
In some cases, customs can be recognized legally, especially if they are longstanding and consistently practiced.
Why are customary practices important in daily life?
Customary practices facilitate everyday interactions and social order by establishing expected behaviors.
How do customs evolve over time?
Customs evolve through adaptations to changes in society, technology, and influences from other cultures.
What happens when customary practices conflict with modern laws?
Typically, legal systems will prioritize modern laws, though there can be accommodations for customary practices.
How can travelers respect the customs and customary practices of places they visit?
By researching beforehand, showing respect and compliance with local practices, and behaving courteously.
What role do customs play in religious observances?
Customs are integral to religious observances, often dictating the how, when, and why of rituals and ceremonies.
How do customs differ globally?
Customs vary widely across different cultures and geographies, reflecting the diverse values, histories, and environments of the people.
What are the consequences of disregarding customary practices?
Disregarding customary practices can lead to social disapproval, ostracism, or even legal repercussions, depending on the context.
What is the difference between legal customs and societal customs?
Legal customs are codified and enforced by law, whereas societal customs are practiced based on tradition and common acceptance.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
