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Custom - 英语词汇详解 (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：custom (Custom)
Custom
/ˈkʌstəm/
n.
A way of doing things that a particular group of people has followed for a long time.
custom
➕
/ˈkʌstəm/
n.
A traditional practice or behavior followed by a particular group of people for a long time.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'consuetudo' (habit) through Old French 'custume'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'custom' as a 'costume' you wear because it's the tradition.
📖 Example
A common custom in many countries is to give red envelopes with money during the Lunar New Year.
A common custom in many countries is to give red envelopes with money during the Lunar New Year.
🔗 Collocations
social custom – a custom that is widely observed in a society
local custom – a custom specific to a particular area
follow a custom – to adhere to a traditional practice
🔄 Synonyms
tradition (n.) – a long-established practice or belief passed down through generations
practice (n.) – the usual way of doing something in a particular situation
convention (n.) – a way of behaving that is considered normal or acceptable by a group
🚫 Antonyms
innovation (n.) – a new idea or method that breaks from tradition
novelty (n.) – something new and original, not based on custom
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'consuetudo' meaning 'habit' via Old French 'custume'. The border-check meaning evolved from the medieval practice of paying habitual duties on goods entering a town.
Meaning 2：customs (Custom)
Custom
/ˈkʌstəm/
n.
The place at an airport or border where officials check what you are bringing into a country.
customs
➕
/ˈkʌstəmz/
n.
The government department or the place at an airport, seaport, or border where officials inspect goods and luggage to enforce import/export laws and collect duties.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I always feel a bit nervous when I go through customs at the airport.
I always feel a bit nervous when I go through customs at the airport.
🔗 Collocations
go through customs – to present oneself and one's belongings for inspection at customs
customs officer – an official working for the customs department
customs declaration – a form stating goods brought into a country
🔄 Synonyms
border control (n.) – the official procedures at national borders to regulate entry and exit
tariff (n.) – a tax imposed on imported goods, often collected by customs
duty (n.) – a tax paid on imported or exported goods
🌱 Derivatives
customs house (n.) – a building where customs officials operate
customs duty (n.) – the tax levied on imported goods
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