Habitually Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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habitually

[hษ™หˆbษชtสƒสŠษ™li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

daily

In a way that is done regularly or repeatedly; usually.

Synonyms

consistently, regularly, usually.

Examples of usage

  • She habitually arrived late for work.
  • He habitually checks his phone first thing in the morning.
Context #2 | Adverb

behavior

In a way that is typical of a particular person or thing.

Synonyms

characteristically, customarily, typically.

Examples of usage

  • He habitually bites his nails when he's nervous.
  • She habitually wears the same necklace every day.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Psychologists note that around 40% of our daily actions are habitual, showing the power of routine in our lives.
  • Building a new habit requires consistency; studies say it can take an average of 66 days for a new action to become automatic.
  • Negative habits can create cycles of behavior that are hard to break without conscious effort.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, rituals and traditions are habitual practices that pass through generations, reinforcing community bonds.
  • Some Eastern philosophies emphasize the importance of mindful habits, suggesting that conscious actions lead to better lives.
  • Western society often promotes breaking bad habits but encourages the formation of productive ones for self-improvement.

Literature

  • The theme of habit often appears in literature, addressing charactersโ€™ struggles with addiction or conformity.
  • Many poets have depicted daily routines as a reflection of lifeโ€™s repetitive nature, emphasizing the beauty or monotony of habits.
  • Classic works often explore how habits shape identity and influence characters' decisions.

Health

  • Health experts emphasize forming healthy eating habits as essential for long-term well-being.
  • Regular exercise can become a habit, significantly impacting physical fitness and mental health when maintained.
  • Breaking a habit, such as smoking, can be a crucial step in improving oneโ€™s overall health and life expectancy.

Origin of 'habitually'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Habitually' comes from the word 'habit', which has roots in the Old French word 'habite', meaning 'to dwell' or 'to have'.
  • The concept of habits has been studied for centuries, with the term first documented in the early 14th century.
  • The suffix '-ally' suggests it relates to the manner in which something is done.

The word 'habitually' is derived from the word 'habit', which comes from the Latin word 'habitare' meaning 'to have, hold, dwell'. The use of 'habitually' in English dates back to the 16th century.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,953, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.