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Should I use the word lore when speaking about knowledge that is connected to a specific domain, or would it be better to use the expression "professional knowledge"?

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Lore usually refers to the collective wisdom of a group that is passed on by word of mouth. You are better off just using knowledge. You can also refer to domain knowledge in that respect. – Robusto Apr 21 '12 at 12:44
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On Merriam-Webster "lore: knowledge gained through study or experience". – Xavier Vidal Hernández Apr 21 '12 at 12:56
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professional knowledge is much more formal than lore, but in an informal setting, I would think lore is just as good. – Peter Shor Apr 21 '12 at 13:03
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Lore has the connotation of being less than authoritative, anecdotal. This might be because of the related word folklore, which has as a definition "A body of popular myths and beliefs relating to a particular place, activity, or group of people." – JLG Apr 21 '12 at 13:30

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It depends on what you mean. If you're suggesting that the knowledge is based mostly on tradition, rather than on evidence, then lore might be a good choice, but in most cases, professional knowledge would be the best choice.

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+1! I agree entirely. – Kris Apr 22 '12 at 8:16

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