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usance

usance

1 9.9
A usual way of doing things in a group or community
  • noun
  • /ˈjuːzəns/
  • Archaic
: costumbre
  • Understanding the usance of the region is essential for successfully conducting business there.

Examples

  • Signior Antonio... many a time, and oft in the Rialto, you have reviled me about my moneys and my usances.

  • The company's policy reflects the local usance of flexible working hours.

  • The lawyer explained the usance regarding contract renewals, which varied by industry.

Synonyms

custom
vsusance
159 1.3

A usual way of behaving in a society, often passed down from the past

is applied more widely across contexts rather than in one society
usage
vsusance
126 1.8

The usual way people use something in everyday life

is wider, covering general habitual practices beyond manner of handling things
convention
vsusance
57 3.9

A usual way of behaving that most people in a group follow

is a habitual practice based on tradition rather than a formal rule
conventionality
vsusance
1 6.9

Following accepted customs and usual ways of doing things

is the actual habitual practice itself rather than the abstract quality

Antonyms

317 3.9

Bringing in new ideas or ways of doing things

52 4.7

Something new or different that seems interesting

How Established

tradition
964 2.0
custom
159 1.3
usance
  • Archaic
1 9.9
to practice
261 1.0
habit
667 1.0

Surface Forms

usance singular
usances plural

Etymology

Usance comes from old words for 'use' or 'custom', the same root as use and usual. So usance means a custom or habitual way of doing things — the usual practice in a place or group.