Is cultural a positive word?

Usually, yes. It is often neutral or positive, but the meaning depends on context.

What is the difference between cultural and traditional?

Cultural is wider. Traditional usually means old customs that have been passed down.

Can I use cultural in business writing?

Yes. It is common in formal and academic writing, especially about people and society.

← Dictionary

cultural

/ˈkʌl.tʃər.əl/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Connected with the ideas, customs, art, and way of life of a society or group. It often describes things that are shared by people in a community.

We learned about cultural traditions in India.
The museum hosts cultural events every month.
There are many cultural differences between cities.

Adinary Nuance

Cultural is broader than ethnic. It can describe art, food, customs, language, or social habits, not just ancestry. It is also broader than traditional, which often suggests old customs that continue over time. Use cultural when you mean 'related to a society's shared way of life.'

In other languages

Vietnamese: văn hóa
Spanish: cultural
Chinese: 文化的
Japanese: 文化的な
Korean: 문화의

Etymology

Cultural comes from culture, which entered English from Latin cultura, meaning 'cultivation' or 'growing'. The adjective became common in English in the 19th century.

Common phrases

cultural differencescultural heritagecultural identitycultural events

Synonyms

ethnic social traditional

Related words

culture custom heritage identity

Frequently asked questions

Is cultural a positive word?: Usually, yes. It is often neutral or positive, but the meaning depends on context.
What is the difference between cultural and traditional?: Cultural is wider. Traditional usually means old customs that have been passed down.
Can I use cultural in business writing?: Yes. It is common in formal and academic writing, especially about people and society.