conventionally understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conventionally understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is commonly accepted or recognized in a particular context or field. Example: "In the context of art, beauty is often conventionally understood as harmony and balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

'He's not a conventionally understood suburbanite.

The Guardian - Books

That is the opposite of Darwinism as conventionally understood.

The Economist

For their part, Richter and Goldstein show disdain for expression conventionally understood.

Princeton University

In some respects it is a book of fiction, but not as conventionally understood.

Stanford University

What "Marienbad" meant — its content, as conventionally understood — was not the issue.

The New Yorker

However, it is not memory that it moulds at least, not memory as conventionally understood.

The Economist

This is a simple argument, but it is of central importance to political freedom as it is conventionally understood.

The Guardian - Opinion

It comes coupled with a quality that is not quite emotional intelligence as conventionally understood, but something rather deeper.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sadly, then, this turns out to be the single woman as conventionally understood, rather than radically and positively re-envisioned.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Finally, seeing officers as agents can help resolve disputes stemming from the definitional fluidity of "officer" within corporate law; many cases, applying the robust doctrine of apparent authority, address the consequences of appointing agents to positions with particular titles or authority with a conventionally-understood scope.

Duke University

Unlike a book as that term is still conventionally understood a blog is competing at all times with any and all potential other tabs you might have open or might be thinking of opening; it is even competing with the hyperlinks inside it.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conventionally understood" to introduce a definition or concept that is generally accepted within a specific field or context. This helps to establish a common ground before presenting alternative perspectives or nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "conventionally understood" excessively in your writing, as it can make your prose sound repetitive. If you find yourself using the phrase frequently, consider using synonyms like "widely accepted" or "generally recognized" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conventionally understood" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a past participle, indicating a generally accepted or common interpretation of a concept or term. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to establish a baseline understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

31%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conventionally understood" serves as a crucial linguistic tool for establishing common ground in discussions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. Its function is to signal a generally accepted interpretation of a concept. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse by varying sentence structure. Alternatives such as "generally accepted" or "widely recognized" can enhance writing. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively communicate complex ideas with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally accepted

Focuses on the acceptance aspect, emphasizing broad agreement.

widely recognized

Highlights the recognition aspect, implying broad awareness and acknowledgement.

commonly believed

Emphasizes the belief aspect, referring to a shared conviction or opinion.

traditionally viewed

Highlights the historical aspect of the understanding.

customarily interpreted

Focuses on the interpretation, referring to an established way of understanding something.

ordinarily perceived

Focuses on the perception aspect, emphasizing a typical or usual way of seeing something.

typically regarded

Highlights the regard or consideration aspect, emphasizing a common assessment.

universally acknowledged

Emphasizes the universal acceptance and acknowledgement.

as a rule

Implies something is usually or generally understood in a specific way.

by common consent

Indicates that an understanding is based on a general agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "conventionally understood" in a sentence?

You can use "conventionally understood" to introduce a concept or definition that is commonly accepted within a specific field. For example, "Justice, as "conventionally understood", involves fairness and impartiality."

What are some alternatives to "conventionally understood"?

Some alternatives include "generally accepted", "widely recognized", or "commonly believed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "conventionally understood" or "traditionally understood"?

While both phrases are similar, "conventionally understood" implies a general agreement within a particular context, while "traditionally understood" suggests that the understanding has been passed down over time. Choose the phrase that best reflects the origin and nature of the understanding you're describing.

What does "conventionally understood" imply about an idea?

Using "conventionally understood" suggests that the idea or concept is widely accepted and agreed upon within a specific community or field. It sets a baseline understanding before potentially challenging or expanding on that understanding.