What does HABIT mean?

Parts of Speech

Noun, verb

Definitions

As a noun, habit refers to a usual way of behaving, something that is done regularly or a tendency to do something. As a verb, habit means to do something regularly or to make something a habit.

Pronunciations

US: /ˈhæbɪt/

UK: /ˈhabɪt/

Origin and Usage

The word habit comes from the Latin word habitus, which means "condition" or "appearance." The word has been in use in English since the 14th century. As a noun, habit is often used to describe a pattern of behavior that is difficult to change, such as a bad habit or a good habit. As a verb, habit is used to describe the process of making something a regular part of ones routine.

Synonyms

As a noun: custom, routine, tradition, practice, pattern, mannerism, addiction, dependency. As a verb: accustom, condition, train, discipline, drill.

Related Words

As a noun: faith, peace, grace, mercy, trust.

Example Sentences

As a noun: "Her habit of always arriving late to meetings annoyed her coworkers." "He has a habit of biting his nails when hes nervous." "Its important to develop healthy habits like exercising regularly and eating well."

As a verb: "She habitually checks her phone every five minutes." "He habitually skips breakfast and ends up snacking all day." "It takes time to habituate oneself to a new routine."