traditionally defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traditionally defined" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has been defined in a specific, traditional way. Example: "The term 'family' is traditionally defined as a group of individuals related by blood or marriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Price's interests fell between traditionally defined disciplines.

The New Yorker

Mortality has traditionally defined the human condition, Professor Turkle said.

The New York Times - Tech

The war crimes were more or less traditionally defined, and the victorious Allies were in charge.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, he was one of the last political economists as traditionally defined.

The Guardian

In many respects it obliterated the question of need, which has traditionally defined aid distribution.

The New York Times

Barbecue, as it's traditionally defined in the South, requires loads of it.

The New York Times - Food

This habit of squeamishness traditionally defined the way we dealt with such people.

The Times

Economists have traditionally defined recession as two or more consecutive quarters of negative growth.

The New York Times

Companies that once dominated their industries, as traditionally defined, have been blindsided by new competition.

Harvard Business Review

Most of the books under review are about civil liberties as traditionally defined.

The New York Times - Books

It is traditionally defined by nomograms, relating aortic root dimensions to height or body surface area.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "traditionally defined" to clearly indicate that you are referring to a definition rooted in historical or customary usage, especially when contrasting it with modern or alternative interpretations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "traditionally defined" concept is universally accepted or inherently correct. Always acknowledge that traditional definitions can be culturally specific or subject to change and reinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traditionally defined" functions as an adverbial modifier that specifies how a concept or term is defined. It indicates that the definition being used is rooted in historical or customary usage, as seen in Ludwig's examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "traditionally defined" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that clarifies definitions rooted in history or custom. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase serves to set a specific context for a term, particularly when contrasting it with more modern interpretations. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias, making it a versatile choice for formal and informal writing alike. When using this phrase, it's important to acknowledge that traditional definitions might not be universally accepted and can evolve over time. Alternatives such as "conventionally defined" or "historically defined" can be considered based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conventionally defined

Replaces "traditionally" with "conventionally", emphasizing common agreement or practice in the definition.

in its conventional sense

Focuses on the usual or accepted meaning of something, as opposed to a more recent or specialized usage.

customarily defined

Highlights the role of custom and established practice in shaping the definition.

historically defined

Focuses on the historical roots of the definition, rather than its customary use.

by long-standing definition

Highlights the length of time that the definition has been in use.

classically defined

Suggests a definition that is a standard or model, often from a specific historical period.

in accordance with traditional understanding

A longer and more formal way to express the idea of a traditionally held definition.

by established definition

Emphasizes that the definition is not new or innovative but has been set in place.

according to tradition

Similar to "as per tradition", but provides a slightly more formal tone.

as per tradition

Indicates that the definition follows traditional practices or norms.

FAQs

How can I use "traditionally defined" in a sentence?

You can use "traditionally defined" to specify that you are referring to a long-standing or customary definition of something. For example, "Marriage is "traditionally defined" as the union between a man and a woman."

What is an alternative to saying "traditionally defined"?

Alternatives include "conventionally defined", "historically defined", or "classically defined", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify that a term is "traditionally defined"?

No, it's not always necessary. Use "traditionally defined" when you want to emphasize that the definition you're using is based on custom or historical usage, especially when there are alternative or modern definitions available.

What's the difference between "traditionally defined" and "commonly defined"?

"Traditionally defined" emphasizes the historical or customary basis of a definition, while "commonly defined" simply indicates that a definition is widely accepted at present. A term can be "commonly defined" without necessarily being rooted in long-standing tradition.