as traditionally understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as traditionally understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a concept or idea that has a commonly accepted interpretation or meaning based on historical or cultural context. Example: "The term 'freedom' is often defined as traditionally understood to mean the absence of constraints or limitations on an individual's actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Here was a final challenge to strategy as traditionally understood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, belief in socialism as traditionally understood from Attlee to Wilson – nationalisation and economic planning, universal public services supported by redistributive taxation – is almost totally discredited and forgotten.

Independent

Because, in a sense, the USAid consultant was right – many indigenous people see "development", as traditionally understood, as a threat to their way of life, and therefore don't want to "develop".

The Guardian

Two of the most consequential speeches of the 21st century – Colin Powell's warning to the United Nations about Saddam Hussein's Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, and Al Gore's jeremiad on global warming – were not actually speeches, as traditionally understood, but PowerPoint presentations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead of providing an account of a theory's ontological commitment as traditionally understood, the truthmaker account is an account of a theory's fundamental ontological commitments.

SEP

These dispositions are alleged to be so structurally dissimilar from virtues (as traditionally understood) that it may be psychologically unrealistic to treat (traditional) virtue as a regulative ideal.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

As is traditionally understood in the standard theory of incentives, the leader has a complete knowledge of the system parameters of the game as well as the performance objective of the follower, so that he can compute the strategy that will lead the game to the global optimum which is favorable for the leader.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The distinction between argument and persuasion has some historical significance insofar as it is the basis of the distinction between logic and rhetoric as they are traditionally understood — logic choosing argument as its focus, rhetoric choosing persuasion.

SEP

The answer to the Tata Steel sell-off is not nationalisation – at least as it is traditionally understood – but state action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both works draw on an intellectual French practice of pedestrian dance-theater, in which not much dance, as it is traditionally understood, occurs.

The New York Times - Arts

Kevin James, a trombonist and composer, decided instead to write a work using some of the same principles that animate Cage's music, including randomness, humor and a mingling of music as it is traditionally understood and unalloyed noise.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as traditionally understood" to clarify that you are referring to a common or established interpretation of a concept, especially when that interpretation is being contrasted with a new or alternative perspective.

Common error

Be sure to clarify which tradition you are referring to, especially in contexts where multiple traditions or interpretations exist. Provide specific context to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as traditionally understood" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify that the action or concept is being viewed from a conventional or historical perspective. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as traditionally understood" serves as an adverbial modifier that situates a concept within its established, conventional framework. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is frequently used in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts to contrast traditional viewpoints with modern interpretations. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the tradition being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the traditional sense

A slightly more concise way of expressing the same idea.

As conventionally interpreted

Focuses on the common interpretation rather than tradition.

As historically defined

Emphasizes the historical aspect of the definition.

In its classic sense

Highlights the classic or original meaning.

According to traditional belief

Specifies that the understanding comes from traditional beliefs.

By traditional standards

Indicates a comparison against established norms.

As per custom

Highlights the customary nature of the understanding.

In accordance with tradition

Emphasizes adherence to traditional practices.

As previously conceived

Focuses on prior conceptions rather than traditional ones.

In its established form

Highlights the established or recognized format.

FAQs

How can I use "as traditionally understood" in a sentence?

Use "as traditionally understood" to specify that you are referring to the conventional or established meaning of a concept. For instance, "Marriage, as traditionally understood, involves a union between a man and a woman."

What are some alternatives to "as traditionally understood"?

You can use alternatives like "as conventionally interpreted", "in the traditional sense", or "according to traditional belief" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as traditionally understood"?

It's appropriate when discussing concepts that have a long-standing or widely accepted interpretation, especially if you intend to contrast it with a modern or alternative view.

What's the difference between "as traditionally understood" and "as commonly interpreted"?

"As traditionally understood" emphasizes the historical or cultural context, while "as commonly interpreted" focuses on the current, widespread understanding, which may or may not align with tradition.