INVETERATE Meaning and
Definition
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Inveterate, commonly used as an adjective, refers to a deeply ingrained or long-established habit, quality, or characteristic that is firmly established and unlikely to change. This term is most often employed to describe a negative or undesirable habit or trait which persists over time, despite efforts to overcome or eliminate it. An inveterate behavior, therefore, suggests a longstanding and habitual pattern that is deeply rooted in an individual's personality or nature.
Within social contexts, an inveterate liar is someone who habitually and compulsively exhibits the tendency to deceive others, irrespective of any external factors or consequences. Similarly, an inveterate procrastinator is someone who consistently and persistently delays tasks or actions to the point of detriment to personal or professional responsibilities. The term also extends to possible positive contexts. For instance, an inveterate traveler denotes someone with an unyielding love for exploration and wandering and who regularly embarks on journeys.
The term "inveterate" emphasizes the enduring nature of the characteristic in question, implying that it has become an inherent part of an individual's identity or behavioral pattern. It suggests a certain level of stubbornness or persistence in maintaining the habit, trait, or behavior in spite of advice, consequences, or personal efforts to change. Using "inveterate" conveys a notion of longevity, suggesting that the habit or trait has withstood the test of time and is deeply ingrained.
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Chronic, long-seated, firmly established; said of a disease or of confirmed habits.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Deep seated or rooted; obstinate; obstinate from long continuance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for INVETERATE
Etymology of INVETERATE
The word inveterate originates from Latin roots. It derives from the Latin word inveteratus, which is the past participle of inveterare, meaning to age or to grow old. In Latin, in- is a prefix that indicates negation or reversal, and vetus means old, so inveteratus literally translates to not old or not aged. Over time, the meaning of inveterate evolved to refer to something that is deeply established or long-standing, rather than simply not old.
Similar spelling words for INVETERATE
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