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What is the Meaning of “Traditional”?

Traditional
/trəˈdɪʃənəl/
adjective B1 Tier 4 (Top 10,000 words)

Done or made in the way that people have done it for many years.

Definition of Traditional

Quick Meaning of Traditional

Done or made in the way that people have done it for many years.

Detailed Definition of Traditional

Following customs, practices, or styles established over a long time.

How to Pronounce Traditional

IPA: /trəˈdɪʃənəl/
tra di tion al

Stress pattern: oOoo (4-syllable word).

Tip: Stress on second syllable: trə-DI-shə-nəl. Final syllable is very light.

Full pronunciation guide for “traditional” →

Origin and Etymology of Traditional

From tradition + suffix -al, meaning 'of or relating to'.

How to Use Traditional in a Sentence

Each example shows “traditional” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “They wore traditional clothing at the wedding ceremony.”
    A2 daily
  • “The restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes prepared the old way.”
    B1 conversation
  • “Educational institutions debate balancing traditional methods with innovative teaching.”
    B2 academic

Synonyms and Antonyms of Traditional

Common Synonyms for Traditional

Smart Synonyms for Traditional — When to Use Each

conventional
for widely accepted standard practices
customary
for usual or habitual in a specific group
classic
for timeless and highly respected styles

Antonyms of Traditional

See all synonyms for “traditional” →

Common Collocations with Traditional

These phrases pair with “traditional” in everyday English:

  • traditional values
  • traditional medicine
  • traditional food
  • traditional dress
  • traditional music

Common Mistakes When Using Traditional

Even fluent speakers slip up with “traditional”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: This is traditional method for cooking rice.
✓ Correct: This is a traditional method for cooking rice.
Why: Adjectives describing singular countable nouns need the article 'a'.
✗ Wrong: She prefer traditional dress from her country.
✓ Correct: She prefers traditional dress from her country.
Why: Third person singular verb needs 's': 'prefers' not 'prefer'.

Other Forms of Traditional

Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional

What is the meaning of "Traditional"?

Done or made in the way that people have done it for many years.

How do you pronounce "Traditional"?

The IPA is /trəˈdɪʃənəl/. Stress on second syllable: trə-DI-shə-nəl. Final syllable is very light.

What part of speech is "Traditional"?

"Traditional" is an adjective at B1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Traditional"?

Common synonyms include conventional, customary, classic.

How do you use "Traditional" in a sentence?

For example: "They wore traditional clothing at the wedding ceremony."

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