received wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

"received wisdom" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally it is used to describe conventional wisdom, i.e. knowledge that has been passed down in society, usually without real evidence or basis. For example, "It was received wisdom that smoking was not harmful until research started to prove otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was received wisdom.

The Guardian

That's the received wisdom, anyhow.

The Guardian - Film

Get ready for upending received wisdom: 1.

The New York Times

Received wisdom passing for irreverence.

The New York Times - Books

The received wisdom was patently wrong.

Independent

Certainly, that is the received wisdom.

The Economist

So much for the received wisdom.

The Guardian - Books

That has always been the received wisdom.

The Guardian - Sport

But Lenny destroyed this received wisdom.

The Guardian - Books

Received wisdom is looking pretty foolish now.

The Guardian - Sport

Or an artist's challenging received wisdom.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "received wisdom" when you want to critically examine an idea that is widely accepted but potentially flawed or outdated.

Common error

Don't treat "received wisdom" as an unquestionable truth. It often represents outdated or oversimplified ideas that should be challenged with evidence and critical thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "received wisdom" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a set of beliefs or ideas that are widely accepted within a particular culture or group. Ludwig confirms the usage of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "received wisdom" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to widely accepted beliefs or ideas, often presented as conventional knowledge. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, with a slightly critical connotation. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. When employing this phrase, writers should be mindful of its potential to introduce ideas that may warrant further examination rather than being accepted at face value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conventional thinking

Focuses on the established nature of the thoughts.

established belief

Highlights the acceptance and entrenchment of the idea.

prevailing opinion

Emphasizes the widespread agreement on a particular viewpoint.

accepted knowledge

Highlights the presumed validity and reliability of the information.

common knowledge

Suggests that the information is widely known and understood.

popular belief

Focuses on how widespread the belief is.

traditional view

Refers to the long-held and historically rooted perspective.

orthodox view

Emphasizes the adherence to established or traditional doctrines.

dominant narrative

Focuses on the controlling story or explanation of events.

general consensus

Stresses the collective agreement or accord on a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "received wisdom" in a sentence?

"Received wisdom" is typically used to introduce a commonly held belief, often one that is being questioned or challenged. For example, "The "received wisdom" is that a college degree guarantees a good job, but this is not always the case."

What are some alternatives to "received wisdom"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "conventional thinking", "established belief", or "prevailing opinion".

Is it always negative to refer to something as "received wisdom"?

While "received wisdom" often implies a critical perspective, it isn't inherently negative. It simply denotes a widely accepted belief, which may or may not be accurate or beneficial. The tone depends on the context and the intent of the speaker or writer.

What's the difference between "received wisdom" and "common knowledge"?

"Common knowledge" refers to facts and information that are widely known and generally accepted as true. "Received wisdom", on the other hand, refers to beliefs or ideas that are widely accepted, often without critical examination, and may not always be accurate. So, while both are widely known, "received wisdom" implies a potential need for scrutiny that "common knowledge" doesn't always carry.