time-honored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time-honored" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe traditions, practices, or beliefs that have been respected and valued over a long period of time. Example: "The time-honored tradition of storytelling has been passed down through generations in many cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's time-honored behavior!

The New Yorker

It is a time-honored one, too.

The New Yorker

The tale is time-honored.

The New York Times - Books

It was a time-honored reaction.

The New York Times

It is the Fourth Commandment of the time-honored Ten.

The New York Times - Books

Cutting taxes is a time-honored strategy for stimulating growth.

The New York Times

They also belong to a time-honored theatrical tradition.

The New York Times - Arts

Plunking batters was once a time-honored ritual.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a time-honored practice," Mr. McCain said.

The New York Times

The traditions of Amateur Night are time-honored.

The New Yorker

Self-defense is a time-honored concept in common law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time-honored" when you want to emphasize the respect and value that a tradition, practice, or belief has gained over a long period. It adds a sense of gravitas and historical significance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "time-honored" to describe something that is relatively new or trendy. The phrase implies a long history and deep-rooted respect, which would be inaccurate for recent developments.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "time-honored" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is respected or valued due to its age and history. Ludwig AI examples confirm this, showing it used to describe traditions, practices, and concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time-honored" is an adjective used to describe something respected due to its long history. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, use "time-honored" to emphasize the historical significance and value of a tradition, practice, or belief. Avoid misusing it for recent trends. Consider alternatives like "long-established" or "traditional" when appropriate. Remember that the phrase is most impactful when applied to subjects with genuine historical depth and widespread respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-established

Emphasizes the duration of establishment rather than the honor associated with it.

well-established

Focuses on the firm establishment of something over time.

traditional

Highlights adherence to customs and practices passed down through generations.

venerable

Suggests a deep respect and reverence, often due to age or historical significance.

age-old

Emphasizes the great age and historical roots of something.

historic

Indicates importance in history and connection to past events.

conventional

Highlights conformity to established norms and practices.

entrenched

Focuses on the deep-rooted and firmly established nature of something.

classic

Implies enduring quality and recognition over a long period.

hallowed

Suggests something is sacred or highly respected due to its history.

FAQs

How can I use "time-honored" in a sentence?

You can use "time-honored" to describe practices, traditions, or beliefs that have been respected over a long period. For instance, "The "time-honored tradition" of storytelling has been passed down through generations."

What are some alternatives to "time-honored"?

Alternatives include "long-established", "well-established", or "traditional", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "time-honored" the same as "traditional"?

While similar, "time-honored" emphasizes the respect and value something has gained over time, whereas "traditional" simply indicates something passed down through generations. "Time-honored" carries a stronger connotation of reverence.

When is it inappropriate to use "time-honored"?

It's inappropriate to use "time-honored" when describing something recent or modern. The phrase is reserved for things with a significant history and a sense of deep-rooted respect. Using it for something new would be inaccurate and misleading.