traditionalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “traditionalism” mean?
The belief in or adherence to tradition and established customs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The belief in or adherence to tradition and established customs.
A philosophical or cultural stance that values historical continuity, resists rapid change, and upholds traditional norms and practices, often in opposition to modernism or progressivism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry positive connotations (e.g., stability, heritage) or negative connotations (e.g., resistance to progress) depending on context.
Frequency
Slightly more common in academic and cultural discourses in both regions, with similar frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “traditionalism” in a Sentence
traditionalism in [context]adherence to traditionalismopposition to traditionalismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “traditionalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They aim to traditionalise the wedding ceremony by incorporating old customs.
American English
- They seek to traditionalize the holiday celebrations with family rituals.
adverb
British English
- Traditionally, the festival is celebrated with a parade in the autumn.
American English
- Traditionally, we host a barbecue in the fall for this occasion.
adjective
British English
- His traditionalist views favour maintaining historical architecture in the city.
American English
- Her traditional approach to education emphasizes classic literature and methods.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may refer to conservative business practices or resistance to organizational change.
Academic
Common in sociology, history, and cultural studies to describe resistance to social or cultural change.
Everyday
Used in discussions about family, society, or culture to express a preference for established ways.
Technical
In philosophy or theology, denotes specific schools of thought that prioritize tradition over reason or innovation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “traditionalism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “traditionalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “traditionalism”
- Misspelling as 'traditionalizm' or 'tradicionalism'.
- Using it interchangeably with 'tradition' without acknowledging its ideological aspect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly; traditionalism specifically focuses on preserving traditions, while conservatism is a broader political or social philosophy that may include economic and other principles.
Yes, it can provide cultural continuity and stability, but it may also be criticized for resisting necessary change or progress.
It is frequently used in disciplines like sociology, anthropology, and history to analyse societies that prioritise historical norms over modernisation.
Common fields include religion, politics, art, and education, where debates about preserving vs. reforming practices occur.
The belief in or adherence to tradition and established customs.
Traditionalism is usually formal/academic in register.
Traditionalism: in British English it is pronounced /trəˈdɪʃənəlɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /trəˈdɪʃənəˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tradition' + 'ism' – it's the 'ism' or ideology centered on traditions.
Conceptual Metaphor
Tradition as an anchor or foundation that provides stability and identity.
Practice
Quiz
What is traditionalism primarily associated with?