traditionalist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traditionalist" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who adheres to traditional values or practices. Example: "The traditionalist community resisted changes to their customs." Alternative expressions include "conservative" and "orthodox."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Politics

Religion

Arts & Design

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is an oddity that Elie Saab is at once the modern face of the haute couture schedule – a Lebanese designer whose Paris show acts as a showcase for a healthy client list based in the Middle East, Asia and the US – and its most staunch traditionalist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

David Cameron has rejected a call by a leading Tory traditionalist for heterosexual couples to be granted the right to enter into civil partnerships after MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of equal marriage.

The Guardian

He acknowledged criticism of the scheme saying it was always "disconcerting" when a traditionalist such as himself came up with something not regarded as a conservative and traditional position.

The Guardian

The 20-page document, Starter Homes Design, is the first product of the government's new housing design advisory panel, an odd bunch led by the traditionalist triumvirate of Quinlan Terry, Roger Scruton and Terry Farrell.

The Guardian - Arts

After scoring with hits like Red High Heels and Best Days of Your Life, Pickler left behind her standard pop-country sounds and has evolved into a brassy traditionalist with a highly critically acclaimed album in 100 Proof, which unfortunately sold poorly.

The Guardian - Music

I'm a traditionalist as a civil servant.

The Guardian

Cameron spoke out after Christopher Chope, the Tory MP for Christchurch, reiterated a demand made by traditionalist Tories in Tuesday's Commons debate by calling for heterosexual couples to be given the same rights as same-sex couples.

The Guardian

Even today, 22% of voters say that they agree with the National Front's ideas.A decade ago, there were doubts that Ms Le Pen could ever fill her father's shoes in the macho, traditionalist world of far-right politics.

The Economist

Some analysts believe that, as the scion of an illustrious political family, Mr Abe lacks the guile and force required to face down the traditionalist LDP, which, in the words of one of its parliamentary members, "doesn't understand the first arrow [monetary easing], loves the second [government spending] and hates the third [reform]."To be fair, Mr Abe has been bold in some areas.

The Economist

A German battalion is likely to be based in Alsace-Lorraine, a region repeatedly fought over by the two countries in the past.The pope ordered a traditionalist bishop, Richard Williamson, whom he had recently readmitted to the Catholic church, to recant on his denials of the Holocaust.

The Economist

The provost of the Brompton Oratory, a traditionalist church in central London, is Father Julian Large, a 43-year-old former journalist who draws a youthful following.The brighter shoreIn some respects the woes of the church in the West seem far away from the parts of the world where it is thriving.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In design or art contexts, use the term as an adjective to denote a style that avoids contemporary trends in favor of classical motifs.

Common error

Avoid using "traditionalist" as a synonym for someone who hates all progress. While a "traditionalist" respects the past, they are not always a "reactionary", who actively works to reverse social or political change. Use the term to describe a preference, not necessarily a combatant stance against the future.

Linguistic Context

The word "traditionalist" functions as both a noun (referring to the person) and an adjective (describing the stance). According to Ludwig, it is primarily used to identify individuals or groups who uphold established customs, rituals, or doctrines. It often appears as a modifier in political or religious discussions to distinguish a specific faction from reformers or modernists.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Politics

6%

Religion

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academic

1%

Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "traditionalist" is a versatile and stable term in the English language, primarily used to denote an adherence to past customs and established values. Analysis from Ludwig AI shows that the term is ubiquitous in high-quality journalism, particularly when discussing divisions within political parties or religious institutions. Unlike more emotionally charged terms like "reactionary", "traditionalist" often serves as a neutral descriptor of a person's stylistic or ideological anchor. Whether used in the context of high fashion (describing Elie Saab) or internal church politics, the word highlights a conscious choice to prioritize continuity over innovation. Writers should ensure they use it with enough context to clarify whether they are referring to aesthetic, social, or religious preferences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conservative

Broader in scope, often referring to a specific political ideology rather than just a preference for tradition.

orthodox

Focuses more on strict adherence to established religious or doctrinal rules.

conventionalist

Suggests a preference for social conventions and norms rather than deeply rooted traditions.

purist

Emphasizes the desire to keep a style, language, or craft unadulterated by modern influences.

preservationist

Implies an active role in protecting historical buildings, cultures, or environments from change.

diehard

More informal and emphasizes the stubbornness or intense loyalty of the person's beliefs.

old-school

Much more informal and often carries a nostalgic or affectionate connotation.

reactionary

Stronger and often negative; implies a desire to return to a previous political state and oppose progress.

hidebound

Distinctly negative, suggesting that the person is narrow-minded and incapable of accepting new ideas.

formalist

Concentrates on the outward forms, rules, and structures rather than the spirit of a tradition.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "traditionalist"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use terms like "conservative", "orthodox", or "purist".

How do I use "traditionalist" in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun, such as: "He is a staunch "traditionalist" when it comes to furniture design." Or as an adjective: "The church maintains a "traditionalist" approach to liturgy."

Is "traditionalist" a negative word?

Not necessarily. It is often used neutrally to describe a style or belief system. However, in contexts where change is viewed as essential, it can take on a slightly critical tone, implying resistance to necessary "modernization".

What is the difference between a "traditionalist" and a "conservative"?

While they overlap, a "traditionalist" is specifically concerned with customs, heritage, and rituals, whereas a "conservative" often refers to a broader political or economic ideology favoring low taxes and limited government.