Origin: Latin suffix -al
Traditional has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
A person with traditional beliefs.
"The village elder, a man deeply rooted in ancient customs and spiritual practices, was respected as their traditional leader."
In plain English: A traditional is an old custom or way of doing things that people have followed for a long time.
"The village holds an annual traditional to honor their ancestors."
pertaining to time-honored orthodox doctrines
"the simple security of traditional assumptions has vanished"
Of, relating to, or derived from tradition.
"The family gathered around the table to enjoy a traditional holiday meal that had been prepared in the same way for generations."
In plain English: Traditional means following old customs or ways that people have done for a long time.
"Many families prefer to eat traditional dishes during the holidays."
Usage: Use traditional to describe customs, methods, or items that have been passed down through generations rather than being modern innovations. It often contrasts with contemporary styles but does not necessarily imply something is outdated or inferior.
The word traditional comes from combining the noun tradition with the suffix -al to form an adjective describing something based on long-established customs. It entered English as a straightforward construction that simply means relating to or derived from tradition.