What does "habit" mean?
An action performed on a regular basis.
Habit
/ˈhæb.ɪt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An action performed on a regular basis.
- Grammar: habit is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: a habit, accouter, acquired tolerance, acute alcoholism.
- Useful contrasts: experiments, irregularity, modern clothes.
- Usage evidence: You should try to form the habit of using your dictionaries.
How to use "habit"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "habit" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "habit" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "habit" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "habit" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "habit" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "a habit" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "habit", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An action performed on a regular basis. countable, uncountable
"It’s become a habit of mine to have a cup of coffee after dinner."
- 2 A long piece of clothing worn by monks and nuns. countable, uncountable
"It’s interesting how Catholic and Buddhist monks both wear habits."
- 3 (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition wordnet
- 4 An action performed repeatedly and automatically, usually without awareness. countable, uncountable
"By force of habit, he dressed for work even though it was holiday."
- 5 A piece of clothing worn for a specific activity; a uniform. countable, uncountable
"The new riding habits of the team looked smashing!"
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 excessive use of drugs wordnet
- 7 An addiction. countable, uncountable
"kick the habit"
- 8 Outward appearance; attire; dress. archaic, countable, uncountable
"Noble and milde this Perſean ſeemes to be, If outward habit Iudge the inward man."
- 9 a distinctive attire worn by a member of a religious order wordnet
- 10 Form of growth or general appearance and structure of a plant or crystal. countable, form-of, uncountable
- 11 attire that is typically worn by a horseback rider (especially a woman's attire) wordnet
- 12 an established custom wordnet
- 13 the general form or mode of growth (especially of a plant or crystal) wordnet
Verb
- 1 To clothe. transitive
"Here I began my shopping, was interviewed by dressmakers, and naturally had much to do to habit myself for civilized life again."
- 2 put a habit on wordnet
- 3 To inhabit. archaic, transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"You should try to form the habit of using your dictionaries."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "habit"?
Common synonyms include: a habit, accouter, acquired tolerance, acute alcoholism, addictedness, addiction.
How do you use "habit" in a sentence?
You should try to form the habit of using your dictionaries.
How do you pronounce "habit"?
Pronounced /ˈhæb.ɪt/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English habit, from Latin habitus (“condition, bearing, state, appearance, dress, attire”), from habeō (“I have, hold, keep”). Distantly related to gift. Replaced Middle English abit, from Old French abit, itself from the same Latin source. Displaced native Old English þēaw.
Etymology 2
From Middle English habiten, from Old French habiter, from Latin habitāre (“to dwell, abide, keep”), frequentative of habeō (“I have, hold, keep”); see have.