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adj

ingrained

Ingrained (adj) means Deeply fixed or established, especially a habit, belief, or attitude. Example: “Punctuality was ingrained in her from childhood.”

adj
1
Deeply fixed or established, especially a habit, belief, or attitude.
"Punctuality was ingrained in her from childhood."
"These are deeply ingrained cultural traditions."

How to use ingrained

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo deeply established that it feels like a natural part of someone or something.

Common pairings
deeply ingrained ingrained habit ingrained belief

Word forms

more ingrained comparative, most ingrained superlative

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Punctuality was _____ in her from childhood.

Etymology

From "ingrain" + "-ed" — originally about dyeing fabric so deeply the color became part of the fiber.

Related words

Rhymes for ingrained

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ingrained” mean?

The word “ingrained” means deeply fixed or established, especially a habit, belief, or attitude. In plain terms, so deeply established that it feels like a natural part of someone or something.

How do you use “ingrained” in a sentence?

Here is “ingrained” used in a sentence: “Punctuality was ingrained in her from childhood.”

What is another word for “ingrained”?

Words with a similar meaning to “ingrained” include radicated.

What part of speech is “ingrained”?

“Ingrained” is an adjective.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial