adjective

habitual

huh-BIH-chuu-uhl

adjective

Done so often it has become a fixed pattern of behavior.

"His habitual lateness annoyed his coworkers."

"She gave a habitual shrug whenever asked about her plans."

Describing someone who does something regularly as a matter of routine.

"He was a habitual offender, back in court for the third time that year."

How to Use Habitual

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDone regularly, as a settled pattern rather than a one-off.

Common pairings

habitual offender habitual liar habitual behavior

more habitual comparative, habituals plural, most habitual superlative

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His _____ lateness annoyed his coworkers.

From Medieval Latin habitualis, from Latin habitus ("condition, disposition"), the same root as "habit."

dual equal usual sexual manual annual actual ritual mutual casual visual unusual