Ingrained: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe habits, beliefs, or attitudes that have been established for a long time and are very difficult to change.

• His distrust of authority is deeply ingrained.

Refers to beliefs or feelings that have existed for a long time and are firmly established.

• The community has a deep-rooted tradition of celebrating this holiday.

Often used in a negative sense to describe strongly-held beliefs or positions that are difficult to change because they are protected by tradition, laws, or powerful groups.

• The company's entrenched policies are preventing innovation.

Use this word when talking about something deeply fixed in one's mind, behavior, or culture over a long period of time.

• The concept of equality is deeply ingrained in our society.
• Her daily routine is so ingrained that any change feels disruptive.

Typically used in medical situations or metaphorically to denote placing an idea deeply into someone's mind.

• The surgeon will implant the medical device into the patient's chest.
• Her words implanted a seed of doubt in his mind.

This word is commonly used when talking about securing something in place or making something stable.

• They need to fix the shelf to the wall securely.
• You should fix your gaze on the goal and never give up.

This term is typically used in contexts where something is physically or metaphorically set firmly within something else, often in technology or journalism.

• The journalist was embedded with the troops during the war.
• You can embed the video into your website.