venerable tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

"venerable tradition" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase that describes a longstanding and respected custom or practice. Example: "The festival of Diwali has been a venerable tradition in India for centuries, with families coming together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What has emerged over the last decade, however, is a hitherto unimagined revival among traditional Newar Buddhists and their venerable tradition centered on Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna teachings and practices.

Harvard University

Intercollegiate boxing has a venerable tradition in Great Britain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In fact, I'm part of a venerable tradition.

The New Yorker

Mingus ignored that particular venerable tradition of black American music.

The New York Times - Arts

Playing with time in music is a venerable tradition.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Jones is channeling a venerable tradition in popular entertainment.

The New York Times

To assemble peaceably is a basic American right and a venerable tradition.

The Economist

The scandal has outraged a Japanese public that considers sumo wrestling a venerable tradition.

The New York Times

The resulting synthesis proposed bold new directions for a venerable tradition.

The New York Times - Arts

When the venerable tradition of the pseudonym is discussed, it is often in reductive terms.

The New York Times - Books

Black students, they claim, are by venerable tradition ill-motivated and ill-prepared.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "venerable tradition" to add gravitas and historical depth to your writing, particularly when discussing cultural, academic, or social practices.

Common error

Avoid using "venerable tradition" for newly established or trivial practices. The phrase implies significant historical depth and widespread respect; misusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "venerable tradition" functions as a noun phrase, where "venerable" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "tradition". As Ludwig AI pointed out, it describes a custom or practice that is long-standing and highly respected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

32%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "venerable tradition" is a frequently used phrase that describes a long-standing and respected practice or custom. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal contexts like news articles, academic papers, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the tradition being described truly warrants the "venerable" label. Alternative phrases, such as "time-honored custom" and "long-established practice", can be used to achieve similar effects, but the key is to maintain accuracy and avoid overstating the significance of less established practices. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Academia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

venerated institution

Synonymous alternative, "venerated" and "venerable" are near synonyms.

time-honored custom

Replaces "tradition" with "custom" and "venerable" with "time-honored", emphasizing the age and respect associated with the practice.

time-honored practice

Similar to time-honored custom, but using "practice" instead of "custom".

long-established practice

Substitutes "venerable tradition" with a more descriptive phrase focusing on the duration and establishment of the practice.

age-old institution

Emphasizes the age and formal nature of the tradition, replacing "tradition" with "institution".

historic convention

Highlights the historical significance of the tradition, using "convention" as a synonym for "tradition".

respected heritage

Focuses on the legacy and esteem associated with the tradition.

established norm

Replaces tradition with norm, underlining its widespread acceptance and adherence.

cherished custom

Emphasizes the emotional value and fondness associated with the tradition.

long-standing heritage

Focuses on the duration and inheritance aspect of the tradition.

FAQs

How can I use "venerable tradition" in a sentence?

You can use "venerable tradition" to refer to something that is both old and respected, for example: "The tea ceremony is a "venerable tradition" in Japan, passed down through generations."

What are some alternatives to "venerable tradition"?

Alternatives include "time-honored custom", "long-established practice", or "age-old institution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "venerable tradition" in a modern context?

Yes, but only if the tradition itself has deep historical roots and continues to be respected. Using it for something recent or fleeting would be inaccurate.

What distinguishes a "venerable tradition" from a regular tradition?

The term "venerable" implies a high degree of respect and reverence, suggesting that the tradition is not only old but also deeply valued and honored within a community or culture.