Main Entry: tra·di·tion

Pronunciation: \trə-ˈdi-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition — more at treason

Date: 14th century

1 a : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) b : a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable
2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
3 : cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
4 : characteristic manner, method, or style <in the best liberal tradition>

— tra·di·tion·al \-ˈdish-nəl, -ˈdi-shə-n^əl\ adjective

— tra·di·tion·al·ly adverb

— tra·di·tion·less \-ˈdi-shən-ləs\ adjective