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Habits Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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habits

[ˈhæbɪts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

daily routine

Habits are the behaviors that we repeat regularly and often unconsciously. They are formed through repetition and can be both positive and negative. Habits play a significant role in shaping our lives and can greatly affect our success and well-being.

Synonyms

custom, practice, routine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
habits

Regular behaviors or actions that a person does often without thinking.

  • Brushing teeth every morning and night is a habit for many people.
  • She has a habit of drinking coffee during breakfast.
routine

A sequence of actions regularly followed, often according to a timetable or schedule.

  • Her morning routine includes jogging, taking a shower, and having breakfast.
  • The daily routine at school starts with a morning assembly followed by classes.
custom

Traditional practices commonly shared by a group or society, often passed down through generations.

  • It is a custom in Japan to take off your shoes before entering a home.
  • During Chinese New Year, giving red envelopes is a customary practice.
practice

A regular activity or exercise that is done to improve a skill or maintain proficiency.

  • The basketball team has practice every evening to prepare for the big game.
  • Yoga practitioners engage in daily practice to enhance their flexibility.

Examples of usage

  • People who have the habit of exercising regularly tend to have better physical health.
  • She has a habit of checking her phone first thing in the morning.
  • Breaking a bad habit can be challenging but is worth the effort.
  • Cultivating good study habits can lead to academic success.
  • His habit of procrastination often leads to missed deadlines.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The human brain forms habits to save energy, making our daily functions easier and more efficient.
  • Studies show it takes about 21 days to form a new habit, although the true range can be from a few weeks to several months.
  • A cue, routine, and reward form the habit loop, which shows how habits are developed and reinforced.

Health

  • Healthy habits like regular exercise and balanced nutrition can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Bad habits, such as smoking or excessive screen time, can lead to serious health issues and are often harder to break than create.
  • Mindfulness practices have been shown to help individuals change their habits by increasing awareness and self-control.

Cultural Practices

  • Different cultures have unique daily habits, like the afternoon siesta in Spain or tea-drinking rituals in Japan.
  • Habit formation can be influenced by the environment, where communities encourage certain behaviors, such as recycling or exercising.
  • In some indigenous cultures, rituals are a way to create collective habits that strengthen community bonds and cultural identity.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often experience transformations by changing their habits, highlighting personal growth and development.
  • Famous authors like Charles Duhigg have written about how understanding the science of habits can lead to better productivity.
  • Classic literature frequently addresses the tension between habits of the mind and the heart, illustrating the struggle for change.

Technology

  • Many smartphone apps are designed to help users establish healthier habits by tracking progress and providing reminders.
  • Gamification techniques are increasingly used in technology to motivate users to build positive habits through rewards and challenges.
  • Artificial intelligence is now being used to analyze user behaviors and suggest personalized habit-forming strategies.

Origin of 'habits'

The word 'habits' originates from the Latin word 'habitudo', meaning condition, disposition, or behavior. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the actions or behaviors that individuals repeatedly perform. Habits have been studied extensively in psychology and behavioral science to understand how they are formed and how they can be changed for personal development.

See also: habitat, habitation, habitual, habitually, habituate, inhabit.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,210, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.