custom
/ˈkʌstəm/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: 4.43 in modern English
10
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "Much forbidden by elder custom is accepted today."
- "A custom More honour'd in the breach than the observance."
- "20 […] These men being Iewes, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customes which are not lawfull for vs to receiue, neither to obserue, being Romanes."
- "For first Mr. Dier's opinion was that the ancient custom for exportation was by the common laws; and goeth furder, that that ancient custom was the custom upon wools, woolfells, and leather."
- "Moved beyond his custom, Gama said"
- "Thank you for your custom."
Etymology
PIE word *ḱóm PIE word *swé From Middle English custume, borrowed from Anglo-Norman custume, inherited from Latin consuētūdinem, a noun derived from cōnsuēscō, from con- (“with”) + suēscō (“become used or accustomed to”). Displaced native Old English ġewuna and sidu. Doublet of costume, consuetude, and kastom. The adjectival form first appears c. 1830.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: *dʰeh₁-, custume, coustume, consuetudo