Do you have trouble deciding between the writing of the word is “custome” or “custom”? Maybe you have seen papers where they use both of them. If you’re struggling with the question in the back of your mind, then this is the information you need to read.
The correct way to write the word is “custom”. “Custome” is an ancient word for “custom”, which is no longer use in English. Most of the time, “custome” is considered as wrong spelling of the term.
This article will look at the meaning of “custom”, its etymology, its correct use, some examples, the rules to capitalize it, synonyms, and antonyms of the word, among other topics.
Definition of Custom
Depending on the use of the word, it could be a noun or an adjective:
Noun
Custom as a noun means a habit or a tradition.
Examples:
- It is a custom to visit the newlyweds’ house with wine and accompanying snacks in our family.
- According to custom, on Christmas Eve, you should leave milk and cookies for Santa Claus.
- It is a custom that when a tooth falls out, you put it under your pillow, and the tooth fairy leaves you some coins in exchange for it.
Adjective
If you use it as an adjective, “custom” means personalizing something or designing something for a particular use.
Examples:
- Yesterday I received my custom-made shoes, and they fit me perfectly!
- I will make a custom table for my living room area.
Etymology and Origin of the Word
The word “custom” comes up to the vulgar Latin “consuetumen” and the old french word “coustume”, which all have the same meaning: tradition, habit, familiarity with an act.
All these terms descend from the old Latin word “consuetudo”. Apart from referring to a person’s traditions or a community, the Latin word refers to friendship relationships and secret love relationships.
None of these terms are currently in use. Still, it is essential to see the relation of languages and words to indicate a similar action.
What are the Rules for Capitalizing the Word “Custom”?
When do I have to capitalize the word “custom”? Even though it seems like an easy answer, we will break it down for you in the following list. These are the guidelines for capitalizing the word “custom”. Otherwise, the term is usually used as a common word and doesn’t go with capital letters.
Capitalize the word if it’s the first word of a sentence
Following a basic English rule, the first letter of a sentence is always capitalized.
Example:
Customs are made from home sometimes.
Capitalize the word if it is used as a name or as a proper noun
If you are referring to the term as a proper noun, it must be capitalized.
Example:
I’ve been reading Choices: Custom Resources for Political Science, and I’m amazed at what I learned from it.
Capitalize the word if it’s quoting someone
In a citation, the first word must be capitalized when opening quotation marks. However, when it is a question of a partial citation, it is not supposed to cite.
Example:
Maria said “Customs like those of my town must be incorporated into the big cities.”
Capitalize the word if it’s part of a title
Most of the words in titles are written with capital letters.
What Words Do I Not Capitalize On Titles?
The only words that can not be capitalized in a title are the prepositions, conjunctions, and articles, but only if they are shorter than five letters. For example, a, but, no, or, on, etc., don’t go with a capital letter. But words like about, between, without or beside, go with a capital letter because of their length.
What are the Synonyms of Custom?
Some words with similar meaning to the term are the following:
Tradition
Tradition is the set of guidelines, actions, and beliefs of a community passed down from generation to generation.
Example:
Seeing the fireworks on July 4th is an American tradition.
Usage
Usage refers to the collective habits of the native speakers of a language. It is more focused on language customs than actions or beliefs.
Example:
Some states have different usage to call this object.
Practice
When we talk about practice, we mean to carry out an activity continuously following its rules; apply an idea, doctrine, or theory, or act regularly. Either way, it relates to the meaning of custom.
Example:
I practice my religion every day to improve my faith.
Way
A way is a set of characteristics or circumstances that distinguish each performance of an action or an artist’s style, era, or school.
Example:
Her way of speaking is unique. I could identify her everywhere.
Manner
It is how a person usually behaves with others, or on particular occasions, repeatedly.
Example:
He doesn’t know how to chew with his mouth closed. He doesn’t have any manners!
What are the Antonyms of Custom?
Some terms that are the opposite of what custom means are:
Disinclination
We refer to disinclination when we don’t feel like doing something.
Example:
I have a disinclination to wake up on Mondays.
Reluctance
Reluctance is not being willing to do something that we must do, which is an order.
Example:
His reluctance to this charity cause is because of his personal beliefs.
Unwillingness
It refers to the attitude of indisposition towards performing some specific action.
Example:
The people’s unwillingness to cooperate is affecting the country.
Aversion
Aversion is the feeling of rejection towards something or someone.
Example:
I have a terrible aversion to interviews.
Resistance
It means to firmly oppose an idea or doctrine.
Example:
The board’s resistance to fulfill your requests is due to the sizable economic amount that must be invested in the order.
Other Word Usage Posts
How Do I Use the Word “Custom”?
The word custom is used when it is a regular habit that passes through the generations and is common knowledge.
The vocabulary can be used to refer to religious or belief habits, important dates, holidays, etc.
What is the Difference Between “Custom” and “Habit”?
The difference between custom and habit is the formality.
Custom is used to refer to actions that already have an extended period. Also, they are applied by a group of people or communities—for example, weddings, bridal showers, activities that belong to a specific religion. Customs have a significant effect on people’s behavior. When a custom is carried out for an extended period, it becomes a tradition.
On the other hand, habits are personal actions that an individual does constantly and repeatedly. For example:
- Drinking coffee every morning.
- Reading the newspaper while sitting on the bus on the way to work.
- Having breakfast at a specific time
All are actions that one person does, not everyone. Habits are performed automatically and involuntarily.
Customs have a social character because they are welcomed and accepted by many people, while habits are personal.
Conclusion
The term “custome” is no longer used in the English language.
The correct word is “custom” and, as we saw, has a wide variety of meanings. We recommend avoiding using this term to refer to new trends. Remember that an essential factor for an action to become a custom (and eventually, a tradition) is the time for which it is carried out. Please don’t confuse it with a habit, either. Keep in mind that it has to be done by a significant number of people.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.