Inveterate: meaning, definitions and examples

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inveterate

 

[ ɪnˈvɛtərət ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

habitual behavior

Inveterate refers to a person who has a particular habit, usually a bad one, for a long time. It implies that the habit is deeply ingrained and unlikely to change. For example, an inveterate gambler has a long-standing addiction to gambling.

Synonyms

chronic, chronic, confirmed, habitual

Examples of usage

  • She is an inveterate smoker, unable to quit despite numerous attempts.
  • His inveterate lying made it difficult for anyone to trust him.
  • As an inveterate traveler, she spends most of her year exploring new countries.
  • He is known as an inveterate pessimist, always expecting the worst outcomes.

Translations

Translations of the word "inveterate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inveterado

🇮🇳 पुराना

🇩🇪 eingefleischt

🇮🇩 kronis

🇺🇦 запеклий

🇵🇱 zawzięty

🇯🇵 根強い

🇫🇷 invétéré

🇪🇸 inveterado

🇹🇷 inatçı

🇰🇷 고질적인

🇸🇦 مستأصل

🇨🇿 zakoruněný

🇸🇰 zakorenený

🇨🇳 根深蒂固的

🇸🇮 zakoreninjen

🇮🇸 rótgróinn

🇰🇿 тұрақты

🇬🇪 გადატვირთული

🇦🇿 dərin kök salmış

🇲🇽 inveterado

Word origin

The word inveterate comes from the Latin 'inveteratus', which is the past participle of 'inveterare', meaning 'to grow old, to become old'. This Latin term is derived from 'in-' meaning 'in' or 'not' and 'vetus' meaning 'old'. The word entered the English language in the mid-15th century, initially used in the context of describing long-established practices or conditions. Over time, its usage evolved to primarily connote habits or traits that are firmly established and resistant to change, often with a negative connotation. Thus, it has come to describe individuals whose behaviors or characteristics have become so entrenched that they are seen as unchangeable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,853, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.