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C2 Level Wordlist - Culture and Custom

Here you will learn all the essential words for talking about Culture and Custom, collected specifically for level C2 learners.

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CEFR C2 Vocabulary
iconoclast

a person who challenges or rejects established beliefs, customs, or values, often with the intent to provoke change or expose flaws

Ex: The film 's director was hailed as an iconoclast for breaking genre rules .
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iconoclasm

the rejection or destruction of religious images as heretical

Ex: The punk movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s embraced a form of cultural iconoclasm, rejecting mainstream norms and values through music , fashion , and lifestyle .
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mores
mores
[noun]

the customs and values of a society that characterize it

Ex: Sociologists study the mores of different cultures to understand the norms and values that shape human behavior .
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ethnography

the in-depth study of people and cultures through direct observation and interaction

Ex: Ethnography of an urban neighborhood revealed insights into the daily lives and social dynamics of its diverse residents.
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counterculture

a social and cultural movement that emerges in opposition to prevailing mainstream norms, values, and practices

Ex: The Occupy Wall Street movement in the early 2010s was a contemporary example of counterculture, challenging economic inequalities and corporate influence in politics .
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totem
totem
[noun]

a natural object, often an animal or plant, that is considered sacred and serves as a symbol or emblem for a particular group, clan, or family

Ex: The totem, a flowing river , metaphorically linked the families together , highlighting the continuous flow of life .
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mannerism
mannerism
[noun]

a distinctive style, behavior, or way of doing things that is characteristic of a particular individual, group, or period

Ex: In his speeches , the politician displayed a mannerism of emphasizing key points with a distinctive hand gesture .
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conventionality

conformity with accepted ideas, practices, or standards of thought and behavior

Ex: The policy reflected the conventionality of bureaucratic thinking .
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credo
credo
[noun]

a formal statement of beliefs or principles, often religious or philosophical in nature

Ex: The educator 's credo may prioritize fostering a love of learning , equity in education , and the holistic development of students .
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precept
precept
[noun]

a guiding principle, intended to provide moral guidance or a basis for behavior

Ex: The legal precept " Innocent until proven guilty " reflects a foundational principle in many justice systems , emphasizing the presumption of innocence .
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pageantry
pageantry
[noun]

the elaborate display or ceremonial spectacle associated with public events, celebrations, or formal occasions

Ex: Cultural festivals around the world feature vibrant pageantry, with colorful costumes , traditional dances , and cultural displays .
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syncretism

the merging of diverse cultural elements, styles, or traditions to create something unique

Ex: Syncretism in literature often results in the blending of diverse storytelling traditions .
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multiculturalism

the belief that cultural diversity within a society should be respected

Ex: Multiculturalism is an ongoing process that requires active engagement and dialogue among individuals and communities to build a more inclusive and harmonious society .
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subculture

a group within a larger culture that shares distinctive values, norms, and behaviors, often differing from those of the dominant culture

Ex: The punk subculture emerged in the 1970s as a rebellion against mainstream culture , with its distinctive music , fashion , and anti-establishment attitudes still prevalent among its followers today .
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folklore
folklore
[noun]

the traditional beliefs, customs, stories, and legends of a particular community, usually passed down through generations by word of mouth

Ex: Folklore can also evolve over time , adapting to changes in society and incorporating new influences while retaining its essential character and meaning .
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soiree
soiree
[noun]

an elegant gathering or party that is usually held in the evening

Ex: Couples danced the night away at the romantic candlelit soiree, creating unforgettable memories with friends and loved ones .
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endogamy
endogamy
[noun]

the practice of marrying within one's own social, ethnic, or cultural group

Ex: The village elders promote endogamy to ensure the continuity of their customs .
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ritualism
ritualism
[noun]

the act of sticking to old customs and ceremonies in a culture, focusing on doing things the traditional way

Ex: Despite modern advancements , some communities still practice agricultural ritualism during planting seasons .
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animism
animism
[noun]

the belief in spirits residing within natural elements, objects, and living beings

Ex: In animism, rocks , mountains , and other geographical features are regarded as having spiritual essence .
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matrilineal
matrilineal
[Adjective]

related to a cultural system where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's side of the family

Ex: Matrilineal societies trace lineage through mothers .
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patrilineal
patrilineal
[Adjective]

related to a cultural system where lineage and inheritance are traced through the father's side of the family

Ex: The patrilineal tradition often places greater emphasis on the male line of descent .
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acculturational
acculturational
[Adjective]

relating to the process of acquiring or adapting to the cultural norms, customs, and practices of a different or dominant culture

Ex: Travel exposes people to acculturational experiences in different places .
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