Cool MateEstablished vs Only by tradition and precedent
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Established
Only by tradition and precedent
| Established | Only by tradition and precedent | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪˈstæblɪʃt//🇺🇸 //ɪˈstæblɪʃt// | 🇬🇧 //ˈəʊnli baɪ trəˈdɪʃən ənd ˈprɛsɪdənt//🇺🇸 //ˈoʊnli baɪ trəˈdɪʃən ənd ˈprɛsɪdənt// |
| Meaning | Well-known and accepted for a long time | Something done because it has always been done that way. |
| Example | The company has been an established leader in technology. | The decision was made only by tradition and precedent, without considering modern values. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | established order, established practice, established norms, established reputation | follow tradition and precedent, decisions by tradition and precedent, actions based on tradition and precedent |
| Antonyms | unestablished, unknown, new | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'establish' — remember 'established' is past tense., Using in informal settings where simpler words work better., Incorrectly used as an adjective with noun phrases that aren't well-known. | Confused with 'only by custom', Used in informal contexts incorrectly, Misplaced comma prior to this phrase |
| Usage notes | Used to describe organizations, laws, or customs that are recognized and accepted by society. Not ideal for informal contexts. | Used in formal contexts, often in legal or academic discussions. Avoid in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Established vs Only by tradition and precedent
What's the difference between Established and Only by tradition and precedent?
Established: Well-known and accepted for a long time Only by tradition and precedent: Something done because it has always been done that way.
Which is more formal: Established and Only by tradition and precedent?
Only by tradition and precedent is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Established and Only by tradition and precedent?
Established is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Established: The company has been an established leader in technology. Only by tradition and precedent: The decision was made only by tradition and precedent, without considering modern values.
Can I use Established and Only by tradition and precedent interchangeably?
Not always. Established and Only by tradition and precedent are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.