tradition
This word carries a sense of continuity and collective identity, evoking an image of a bridge connecting the past to the present. It is often associated with comfort, stability, and a feeling of belonging to a specific group or culture.
While it is generally positive, it can take on a restrictive or stifling connotation when used to describe outdated social norms that prevent progress. In these cases, it suggests a rigid adherence to the past regardless of current utility or morality.
Countable when referring to a specific custom or practice, such as the tradition of eating turkey on Thanksgiving. Uncountable when referring to the general body of beliefs or the overall concept of cultural heritage.
Meanings
A belief or custom that has been passed down from generation to generation.
The tradition of lighting candles during the holiday.
Examples
The family maintained the tradition of eating dinner together every Sunday.
Collocations & Compounds
family tradition
Noun collocation: a custom practiced by members of a specific family
Every Christmas, our family tradition is to bake gingerbread cookies together.
cultural tradition
Noun collocation: a belief or practice shared by a specific ethnic or national group
The festival is a vibrant expression of the region's cultural tradition.
long-standing tradition
Noun collocation: a custom that has existed for a very long time
It is a long-standing tradition for the town to hold a parade on the first of May.
uphold a tradition
Verb collocation: to maintain or support a custom to ensure it continues
The organization strives to uphold a tradition of excellence in journalism.
break with tradition
Verb collocation: to stop doing something that has been done for a long time
The new director decided to break with tradition by removing the formal dress code.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin "traditio," meaning a handing over or delivery, from the verb "tradere" (trans- meaning across + dare meaning to give). Originally referring to the legal delivery of property, it evolved in the ecclesiastical context to describe the transmission of doctrines and customs from one generation to the next.