traditional wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

"traditional wisdom" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes that have been widely held over a long period of time. For example, "The traditional wisdom is that you should eat an apple every day to maintain good health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Similarly, direct experience took precedence over traditional wisdom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We repudiated entirely customary morals, conventions and traditional wisdom".

Independent

The Egyptian revolution has overturned numerous pearls of traditional wisdom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, the irresponsible bearded professors are actually the custodians of traditional wisdom.

The New York Times

Traditional wisdom is that failing to finish the course allows some bacteria to survive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

First-time filmmaker Masaaki Miyazawa meditates on the contest between modern life and traditional wisdom.

The Guardian

The traditional wisdom was: "Hey, Pink Floyd became crap after Syd Barrett left".

The Guardian - Music

Comte-Sponville may draw heavily on traditional wisdom, but he is rarely bound by it.

The New York Times - Books

Could it actually help us at work? Certainly all the traditional wisdom says it could.

The Guardian

Mr. Rotolo said, "Traditional wisdom is you don't sell when it tanks unless it's beyond redemption".

The New York Times

Traditional wisdom dictates that fusion reactors must be built on a large scale.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "traditional wisdom" when referring to established beliefs or practices that have been passed down through generations. Ensure the context is appropriate and that the wisdom is genuinely traditional and not simply outdated information.

Common error

Avoid blindly accepting "traditional wisdom" without critical evaluation. Recognize that some long-held beliefs may be based on outdated information or biases. Always consider modern evidence and perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traditional wisdom" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to established knowledge or beliefs passed down through generations. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contrasting old beliefs with modern perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "traditional wisdom" is a widely used noun phrase referencing time-honored knowledge and beliefs. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While often carrying an aura of authority, it's crucial to critically assess "traditional wisdom" against modern perspectives, avoiding blind acceptance. Related phrases like "conventional wisdom" and "established knowledge" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended emphasis. Understanding its function and potential limitations ensures its appropriate and effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conventional wisdom

This alternative emphasizes widespread acceptance and common knowledge, often without critical examination.

established knowledge

This phrase highlights the aspect of the knowledge or information being long-standing and generally accepted.

time-honored beliefs

This alternative emphasizes the age and respect associated with the beliefs in question.

age-old principles

This phrase focuses on fundamental rules or guidelines that have been followed for a long time.

customary knowledge

This alternative stresses the habitual and widespread nature of the knowledge.

ancestral knowledge

This phrase emphasizes the inheritance of knowledge from previous generations.

cultural norms

This alternative focuses on the accepted standards and patterns of behavior within a specific culture.

historical understanding

This phrase highlights the knowledge gained from past events and experiences.

long-held beliefs

This alternative stresses the duration for which the beliefs have been maintained.

received wisdom

This alternative often implies that the wisdom has been passed down and accepted without question.

FAQs

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

You can use "traditional wisdom" to refer to knowledge or beliefs that have been passed down through generations. For example, "Traditional wisdom suggests that a watched pot never boils".

What is the difference between "traditional wisdom" and "conventional wisdom"?

"Traditional wisdom" refers to knowledge passed down through generations, while "conventional wisdom" refers to commonly accepted beliefs that may or may not be accurate.

What are some synonyms for "traditional wisdom"?

Some synonyms for "traditional wisdom" include "established knowledge", "time-honored beliefs", and "age-old principles".

Is it always wise to follow "traditional wisdom"?

While "traditional wisdom" can offer valuable insights, it's important to critically evaluate its relevance and accuracy in the context of modern knowledge and circumstances. Blindly following it can sometimes lead to outdated or incorrect decisions.