VocabDictionary

habit

/ˈhÃĶb.ÉŠt/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.

Example Sentences:
  • “She has a habit of biting her nails when she is nervous.”
  • “Getting into the habit of reading daily can greatly improve your vocabulary.”
2.noun

A long, loose garment worn by members of a religious order.

Example Sentences:
  • “The monks wore simple brown habits tied with a rope at the waist.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “habit”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French word 'habit' (meaning clothing, attire, or custom), which came from the Latin 'habitus' (condition, demeanor, appearance, or dress), stemming from 'habere' (to have or to hold). Historically, it referred to a garment or dress (as still seen in 'riding habit' or a nun's habit), but over time, the meaning shifted to signify a settled disposition or a regular behavioral pattern 'held' by a person.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Have a bit of self-control to break a bad habit.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “habit”

1. What is the meaning of “habit” in English?

In English, habit (noun) is defined as: “A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.”.

2. How do you use “habit” in a sentence?

“She has a habit of biting her nails when she is nervous.”

3. What are English synonyms of “habit”?

Common synonyms include:routine,practice,custom,tendency,pattern

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “habit”?

Derived from the Old French word 'habit' (meaning clothing, attire, or custom), which came from the Latin 'habitus' (condition, demeanor, appearance, or dress), stemming from 'habere' (to have or to hold). Historically, it referred to a garment or dress (as still seen in 'riding habit' or a nun's habit), but over time, the meaning shifted to signify a settled disposition or a regular behavioral pattern 'held' by a person.