Ingrained: meaning, definitions and examples

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ingrained

 

[ɪnˈɡreɪnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

deeply established

Firmly fixed or established, especially so as to be difficult to change. Something that is ingrained is deeply rooted or embedded in a person's beliefs, habits, or character.

Synonyms

deep-rooted, entrenched.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ingrained

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.
deep-rooted

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.
entrenched

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.

Examples of usage

  • Her ingrained fear of spiders made it impossible for her to enter the room where the spider was.
  • His ingrained sense of loyalty to his friends meant he would never betray them.
Context #2 | Verb

implant deeply

To implant or fix deeply and firmly, as in the mind or nature. It can also refer to something being worked into the fiber or substance.

Synonyms

embed, fix, implant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ingrained

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.
implant

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.
fix

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.
embed

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.

Examples of usage

  • His words had ingrained themselves in her memory.
  • The values she taught her children were ingrained in her by her own parents.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the combination of 'in-' meaning within, and 'grain,' which used to refer to things embedded deeply.
  • Ingrained first appeared in English in the early 1600s, originally referring to dye that permeates fabric.

Psychology

  • Ingrained behaviors or beliefs are often formed through repeated experiences or societal norms, making them hard to alter.
  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when ingrained beliefs are challenged, leading to discomfort as one tries to reconcile differing views.

Education

  • Teaching methods aimed at developing critical thinking can help change ingrained responses to information, fostering adaptability.
  • Understanding that students often have ingrained misconceptions is vital; educators must address these to promote better learning.

Cultural Impact

  • Certain traditions can become ingrained in a culture over generations, influencing behaviors and values in profound ways.
  • Media can sometimes contribute to ingrained stereotypes that persist despite efforts to change societal views.

Health and Nutrition

  • Ingrained eating habits can affect health; changing one's diet often requires unlearning old patterns and adopting new ones.
  • Exercise routines can become ingrained in lifestyles, making physical activity a natural part of daily life for some individuals.

Translations

Translations of the word "ingrained" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arraigado

🇮🇳 जड़ जमाये हुए

🇩🇪 eingebrannt

🇮🇩 tertanam

🇺🇦 вкорінений

🇵🇱 zakorzeniony

🇯🇵 根付いた

🇫🇷 ancré

🇪🇸 arraigado

🇹🇷 kökleşmiş

🇰🇷 뿌리박힌

🇸🇦 متجذر

🇨🇿 zakořeněný

🇸🇰 zakorenený

🇨🇳 根深蒂固的

🇸🇮 zakorenjen

🇮🇸 rótgróinn

🇰🇿 тамырланған

🇬🇪 ფესვგადგმული

🇦🇿 köklənmiş

🇲🇽 arraigado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,701, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.