Accustom vs. Custom — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Accustom involves adapting or becoming used to something, while custom refers to a traditional or habitual practice.
Difference Between Accustom and Custom
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Accustom is a verb that means to make someone or oneself familiar with a new situation or environment, whereas custom is a noun that describes established practices or habitual behaviors.
Individuals accustom themselves to different climates when they move to new regions, while customs might dictate the type of clothing they wear in these areas.
To accustom a pet to a new home involves gradual introduction and patience, on the other hand, feeding it at the same time daily could become a custom.
Schools accustom students to a structured schedule, whereas the custom of holiday celebrations can vary widely from one school to another.
Drivers in the UK must accustom themselves to driving on the left side of the road, whereas it is a longstanding custom in the UK to do so.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Function
To make familiar with
A traditional practice
Usage Context
Personal or group adaptation
Societal or cultural practices
Example Subject
Individuals, animals, groups
Societies, cultures, communities
Outcome
Personal comfort and adaptation
Widespread habitual actions
Compare with Definitions
Accustom
To become used to by repeated exposure.
He quickly accustomed himself to the high altitude.
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something.
It is a custom in their family to have dinner together every Sunday.
Accustom
To make familiar through use or experience.
She accustomed herself to waking up early for her new job.
Custom
A long-established practice considered as unwritten law.
The custom of removing shoes before entering a house is prevalent in many cultures.
Accustom
To adapt or adjust to new conditions.
Immigrants often have to accustom themselves to new cultural practices.
Custom
The regular or habitual practice of individuals.
Her morning custom includes yoga and meditation.
Accustom
To train or adjust to a specific need or situation.
The pilot was accustomed to flying in harsh weather conditions.
Custom
A habitual practice, the usual way of acting in given circumstances.
The custom of tipping service staff varies greatly between countries.
Accustom
To habituate to a particular environment or condition.
They had to accustom their dog to the city noises.
Custom
An established practice followed as a matter of course among people.
Shaking hands is a common custom at business meetings.
Accustom
To familiarize, as by constant practice, use, or habit
I have accustomed myself to working long hours.
Custom
A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time
Custom demanded that a person should have gifts for the child
The old English custom of dancing round the maypole
Accustom
To make familiar by use; to cause to accept; to habituate, familiarize, or inure.
Early exposure to pet allergens and pet-related bacteria accustoms the body to allergens.
Custom
Regular dealings with a shop or business by customers
If you keep me waiting, I will take my custom elsewhere
Accustom
To be wont.
Custom
Made or done to order; custom-made
A custom guitar
Accustom
To cohabit.
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Accustom
(obsolete) Custom.
Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
Accustom
To make familiar by use; to habituate, familiarize, or inure; - with to.
I shall always fear that he who accustoms himself to fraud in little things, wants only opportunity to practice it in greater.
Custom
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
Accustom
To be wont.
Custom
Habitual manner or practice
I am not by custom a coffee drinker.
Accustom
To cohabit.
We with the best men accustom openly; you with the basest commit private adulteries.
Custom
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
Accustom
Custom.
Custom
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Accustom
Make psychologically or physically used (to something);
She became habituated to the background music
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Custom
Tribute, service, or rent paid by a feudal tenant to a lord.
Custom
Made to order
Custom suits.
Custom
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
Custom
(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
Custom
(legal) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
Custom
Traditional beliefs or rituals.
The Ancient Egyptian culture had many distinctive and interesting beliefs and customs; one custom was the mummification of the dead.
Custom
A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, pornography, etc.
Custom
(obsolete) Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.
Custom
Toll, tax, or tribute.
Custom
Created under particular specifications, specially to fit one's needs: specialized, unique, custom-made.
My feet are very large, so I need custom shoes.
Custom
Own, personal, not standard or premade.
We can embroider a wide range of ready designs or a custom logo.
Custom
(archaic) Accustomed; usual.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
To have a custom.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same act; way of acting common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; usage; method of doing or living.
And teach customs which are not lawful.
Moved beyond his custom, Gama said.
A customMore honored in the breach than the observance.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods; practice of frequenting, as a shop, manufactory, etc., for making purchases or giving orders; business support.
Let him have your custom, but not your votes.
Custom
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
Custom
Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
Age can not wither her, nor custom staleHer infinite variety.
Custom
The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
Custom
Duties or tolls imposed by law on commodities, imported or exported.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To have a custom.
On a bridge he custometh to fight.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
Accepted or habitual practice
Custom
A specific practice of long standing
Custom
Money collected under a tariff
Custom
Habitual patronage;
I have given this tailor my custom for many years
Custom
Made according to the specifications of an individual
Common Curiosities
What role do customs play in cultural identity?
Customs are integral to cultural identity as they reflect shared values and practices within a community.
Can a custom change over time?
Yes, customs can evolve or change as societies develop and new norms are established.
What is the difference between adapting and accustoming?
Adapting can be more general and short-term, while accustoming usually refers to becoming used to something over time.
Is it difficult to accustom oneself to a new environment?
It can be challenging depending on the differences between the old and new environments and the individual's adaptability.
How do customs influence behavior?
Customs influence behavior by establishing expected norms and practices within a culture or community.
How do customs differ from laws?
Customs are informal practices adopted by a community, while laws are formal regulations enforced by a governing body.
What does it mean to accustom someone to something?
It means to make someone familiar and comfortable with something through frequent exposure or practice.
Why are customs important in social settings?
Customs facilitate smooth interactions within a group by providing predictable and understood behaviors.
How does one accustom a child to a regular sleep schedule?
By establishing a consistent bedtime routine and environment conducive to sleep.
How can one quickly accustom themselves to a new job?
One can quickly adapt by actively learning about the job’s requirements, the company culture, and seeking feedback.
What is an example of a harmful custom?
Practices like child marriages or other forms of social discrimination can be considered harmful customs.
Are all customs legally binding?
No, while some customs may have legal recognition, many function as social norms without legal enforcement.
Can someone refuse to follow a custom?
Yes, individuals can refuse to follow customs, though this may sometimes lead to social disapproval or consequences.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
