traditionally understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traditionally understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to concepts, beliefs, or practices that have been accepted or recognized over a long period of time. Example: "The role of women in society has been traditionally understood as one of nurturing and caregiving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here was a final challenge to strategy as traditionally understood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Europe has traditionally understood the importance of addressing vulnerability by providing a system of social protection.

The Guardian - Business

Ive says it will be "a move away from what is traditionally understood as consumer electronics".

The Guardian - Tech

The wall traditionally understood to be required between advertising and editorial has to do with honest reporting.

The New York Times

The State Department would have to determine that the regime repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism, something traditionally understood to mean violent, physical attacks rather than hacking.

The Guardian

The answer to the Tata Steel sell-off is not nationalisation – at least as it is traditionally understood – but state action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both works draw on an intellectual French practice of pedestrian dance-theater, in which not much dance, as it is traditionally understood, occurs.

The New York Times - Arts

This dates back to the revolution of 1789 and is traditionally understood to be a way of controlling and disciplining the Catholic Church.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, belief in socialism as traditionally understood from Attlee to Wilson – nationalisation and economic planning, universal public services supported by redistributive taxation – is almost totally discredited and forgotten.

Independent

It is traditionally understood to divide the arid western half of the Great Plains from the more fertile region to the east.

The New Yorker

Because, in a sense, the USAid consultant was right – many indigenous people see "development", as traditionally understood, as a threat to their way of life, and therefore don't want to "develop".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "traditionally understood" to indicate that a concept or practice has a long history of acceptance or interpretation. It's particularly useful when contrasting a current view with a historical one.

Common error

Avoid using "traditionally understood" when referring to recent or contemporary concepts. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing a historical perspective or contrasting past and present views.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traditionally understood" functions as an adverbial modifier that describes the manner in which something is understood. It indicates that an idea, concept, or practice has been comprehended or interpreted in a specific way over a prolonged period. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "traditionally understood" is a versatile tool for indicating how concepts or practices have been interpreted over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains. As evidenced by a multitude of examples, this phrase is particularly common in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, where providing historical context is crucial. When using "traditionally understood", ensure that you're indeed referring to a long-standing interpretation and not a recent development. Alternatives like "historically interpreted" or "commonly perceived" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historically interpreted

Focuses on the interpretation of something over a period of history rather than the understanding.

conventionally interpreted

Emphasizes interpretation according to established conventions rather than general understanding.

customarily viewed

Highlights the customary or habitual way of seeing or regarding something.

generally accepted

Stresses broad acceptance rather than a specific understanding.

commonly perceived

Indicates a widespread perception, potentially lacking depth or accuracy compared to understanding.

widely recognized

Focuses on the broad recognition of something, not necessarily its comprehension.

long-established

Highlights the long-standing nature of something rather than its understanding.

orthodox interpretation

Specifically refers to interpretations that conform to established or traditional beliefs.

standardly construed

Suggests something is interpreted in a standard or typical manner.

by common consent

Indicates agreement and shared understanding within a specific group or community.

FAQs

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

You can use "traditionally understood" to indicate how something was commonly interpreted or accepted in the past. For example: "The role of women in society was "traditionally understood" as one of nurturing and caregiving."

What's a good alternative to "traditionally understood"?

Alternatives include "historically interpreted", "conventionally interpreted", or "commonly perceived", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "traditionally understood" or "commonly understood"?

The choice depends on context. "Traditionally understood" emphasizes a historical or long-standing perspective, while "commonly understood" simply indicates a widespread current understanding. If you are referring to an interpretation that has been around for many years, "traditionally understood" is more suitable.

Can "traditionally understood" be used in a formal context?

Yes, "traditionally understood" is suitable for formal contexts, especially in academic or professional writing where historical context or established interpretations are relevant.