Habit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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habit
[ˈhæbɪt ]
Definitions
daily routine
A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| habit |
Use when referring to a regular behavior that someone does often, typically unconsciously. This word can be both positive and negative.
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| custom |
Use in the context of cultural or societal practices that are widely accepted and traditional.
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| practice |
Use when talking about a repeated action that someone engages in to improve a skill or adhere to a belief.
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| routine |
Use when referring to a fixed schedule of actions performed regularly, often daily.
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Examples of usage
- She has a habit of biting her nails when she's nervous.
- Drinking coffee every morning has become a habit for him.
behavioral psychology
A behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance.
Synonyms
inclination, pattern, tendency.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| habit |
Can also refer to a more ingrained or persistent behavior, sometimes negative.
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| pattern |
Used to describe a repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done. Can be observed over a period of time.
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| tendency |
Describes an inclination towards a particular characteristic or type of behavior, usually over time.
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| inclination |
Refers to a person's natural tendency or preference towards something. It can be used for both actions and thoughts.
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Examples of usage
- Her habit of always arriving late to meetings is frustrating for her colleagues.
- Exercising regularly is a good habit to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
clothing
A distinctive set of clothes worn by a religious order or a particular group.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| habit |
Refers to a regular practice or routine behavior, often without conscious thought.
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| attire |
Describes the clothes that someone is wearing, often in a more formal or professional context.
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| garb |
Used to refer to a particular kind or style of clothing, especially those that are specific to an occasion or role.
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| robe |
Means a long, loose outer garment, often worn for ceremonial occasions or as a special uniform.
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Examples of usage
- The nuns wore their traditional habit for the ceremony.
- The monks dressed in their brown habit for the procession.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research suggests it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit, but this can vary widely from person to person.
- Habits are often formed in a three-step loop: cue, routine, and reward, which helps explain why some behaviors repeat.
- Positive reinforcement from achieving a habit can lead to increased dopamine levels, making you feel good and more likely to repeat it.
Health & Fitness
- Many health experts recommend starting with small habits, like drinking a glass of water in the morning, to build a foundation for bigger changes.
- Studies show that habits related to physical activity can significantly impact long-term health, reducing risks of chronic diseases.
- Sleep habits have a substantial effect on overall well-being, indicating the importance of consistent bedtime routines.
Pop Culture
- The idea of habits has been explored in numerous self-help books, such as 'The Power of Habit' by Charles Duhigg, which became a bestseller.
- In movies and television, characters often face challenges of breaking bad habits or forming new ones, making it a relatable theme.
- Songs and popular media often reference habits to highlight personal growth, as in the catchy lyrics about love, work, or lifestyle changes.
Education
- Educational psychologists emphasize the importance of developing good study habits to enhance learning and retention.
- Habits formed in early childhood, such as reading daily, can lead to better literacy and academic success later in life.
- Teachers often use techniques to help students create healthy learning habits, knowing that repetition aids memory and skill acquisition.
Origin of 'habit'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'habit' comes from the Latin 'habitus', meaning 'condition, appearance, or demeanor'.
- In medieval times, 'habit' referred to clothing or attire, which is why you might hear 'habit' to describe a nun's outfit.
- The concept of habits has been part of language since the 12th century, reflecting a long-standing interest in behavior.
The word 'habit' originated from the Latin 'habitare', meaning 'to have, hold or dwell'. It entered the English language in the 12th century with the meaning 'condition or character of something'. Over time, it evolved to also refer to customary behavior or dress. The modern sense of 'habit' as a settled or regular tendency developed in the 16th century.