Is customary formal or informal?

It is fairly formal and common in writing, rules, and polite speech.

What is the difference between customary and usual?

Usual means common. Customary often means accepted by tradition or social practice.

Can I use customary for personal habits?

Not usually. For personal habits, 'habitual' or 'usual' is better.

Is customary used in business English?

Yes. It often appears in phrases like 'customary fees' or 'customary procedure'.

← Dictionary

customary

/ˈkʌs.tə.mər.i/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Something customary is usual in a particular place, group, or situation. It is what people normally do, not something special or surprising.

It is customary to greet elders first.
Customary fees apply in this office.

Adinary Nuance

Customary is stronger and more specific than just 'common' or 'usual'. It often suggests a social rule, tradition, or accepted practice. Use 'habitual' for a personal habit, and 'customary' for what a group normally expects. It can sound a little formal in writing and speech.

In other languages

Vietnamese: thông lệ
Spanish: habitual
Chinese: 惯常的
Japanese: 慣例の
Korean: 관례적인

Etymology

Customary comes from the Old French word customier, from Latin consuetudo meaning 'habit' or 'practice'. It entered English in the Middle Ages.

Common phrases

customary practicecustomary lawcustomary feecustomary greeting

Synonyms

usual traditional conventional normal

Related words

custom tradition practice habit

Frequently asked questions

Is customary formal or informal?: It is fairly formal and common in writing, rules, and polite speech.
What is the difference between customary and usual?: Usual means common. Customary often means accepted by tradition or social practice.
Can I use customary for personal habits?: Not usually. For personal habits, 'habitual' or 'usual' is better.
Is customary used in business English?: Yes. It often appears in phrases like 'customary fees' or 'customary procedure'.