Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Habit

//ˈhæb.ɪt// noun, verb

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

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.

Etymology 3

From Middle English habiten, from Old French habiter, from Latin habitāre (“to dwell, abide, keep”), frequentative of habeō (“I have, hold, keep”); see have.

Next best steps

Find stronger synonyms See usage examples Check pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: habit