Inveterate
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɪnˈvɛtəɹɪt/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Inveterate is an adjective meaning Firmly established from having been around for a long time; of long standing.
Meaning
Firmly established from having been around for a long time; of long standing.
More Meanings
- (of a person) Having had a habit (usually a bad habit) for a long time.
- Malignant; virulent; spiteful.
- (obsolete) To fix and settle after a long time; to entrench.
Example Sentences
an inveterate habit
an inveterate disease
an inveterate traveller
Near-synonyms: hardened, chronic, dyed-in-the-wool
Word Forms
- inveterates
- inveterating
- inveterated
Synonyms for inveterate
Depending on context, synonyms include bred-in-the-bone, deep-rooted, deep-seated, dyed-in-the-wool, ingrained, long-standing.
Antonyms for inveterate
Common opposites include casual, transient, temporary, momentary, fleeting, impermanent.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include chronic, confirmed, habitual, addicted, long-standing, lasting.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.