adjective
Uncommon
habitual
huh-BIH-chuu-uhl
Habitual (adjective) means Done so often it has become a fixed pattern of behavior. Example: “His habitual lateness annoyed his coworkers.”
adjective
1
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."
2
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 notesIn plain EnglishDone regularly, as a settled pattern rather than a one-off.
Common pairings
habitual offender
habitual liar
habitual behavior
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Word forms
- Plural
- habituals
- Comparative
- more habitual
- Superlative
- most habitual
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ lateness annoyed his coworkers.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin habitualis, from Latin habitus ("condition, disposition"), the same root as "habit."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for habitual
See all rhymes for habitual →Frequently asked questions
What does “habitual” mean?
The word “habitual” means done so often it has become a fixed pattern of behavior. In plain terms, done regularly, as a settled pattern rather than a one-off.
How do you pronounce “habitual”?
“Habitual” is pronounced huh-BIH-chuu-uhl (/həˈbɪ.t͡ʃʊ.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “habitual” in a sentence?
Here is “habitual” used in a sentence: “His habitual lateness annoyed his coworkers.”
What part of speech is “habitual”?
“Habitual” is an adjective.
Where does the word “habitual” come from?
The word “habitual” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin habitualis, from Latin habitus ("condition, disposition"), the same root as "habit.".
Is “habitual” a common word?
“Habitual” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “habitual” have?
“Habitual” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: done so often it has become a fixed pattern of behavior.
