Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Honored because of age or long usage: Describes something (a tradition, institution, or practice) that is respected and valued because it has existed for a long time.
   • Acceptable for a long time: Refers to a custom or method that has been considered valid, proper, or effective over a long period.

Usage

The adjective "time-honoured" is used attributively (before a noun) to describe traditions, customs, institutions, or methods. It carries a positive connotation of respect, reliability, and established value.

Examples

• Attributive use:
  • The ceremony follows a time-honoured tradition passed down through generations.
  • They used a time-honoured method to preserve the food.
  • It is a time-honoured institution in the city.

Advanced Usage

• "To uphold a time-honoured tradition": to maintain and continue a long-standing practice.
  • The community strives to uphold its time-honoured traditions.
• "By time-honoured custom": according to a long-established practice.
  • By time-honoured custom, the eldest son inherits the property.

Variants and Related Words

• Time-honored: The preferred spelling in American English.
• Long-established (adj): Having existed for a long time. (A close synonym, but without the explicit connotation of honor/respect).
• Age-old (adj): Very old; having existed for a very long time.

Synonyms

• Traditional: Following long-established customs or beliefs.
• Venerable: Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.
• Established: Having been in existence for a long time and therefore recognized and generally accepted.

Antonyms

• Modern: Relating to the present or recent times.
• Innovative: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
• Unconventional: Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.

Adjective

1. honored because of age or long usage
   • time-honored institutions
2. acceptable for a long time
   • time-honored customs