adj
inveterate
Inveterate (adj) means Well established because it has existed for a long time.
adj
1
Well established because it has existed for a long time.
"In Montpelier, where this prison stands, the inveterate prejudice against prisoners has been swept away."
— Morrison I. Swift, Humanizing the Prisons, (1911)
2
Having done something, often something bad, for so long that it is now a fixed habit.
"an inveterate idler; an inveterate gambler; an inveterate smoker"
3
Harmful, violently hostile, or full of spite.
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Etymology
The adjective is first attested in 1528, the verb in 1574; borrowed from Latin inveterātus (“of long standing, chronic”), perfect passive participle of inveterō and participial adjective (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from in- (“in, into”) + veterō (“to age”), from vetus, veteris (“old”). Cognate with Italian inveterato, French invétéré. By surface analysis, in- (“not, opposite”) + veterate.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for inveterate
See all rhymes for inveterate →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of inveterate?
"inveterate" (adj) means well established because it has existed for a long time.
What is another word for inveterate?
Other words for "inveterate" include chronic.
What is the opposite of inveterate?
Opposites of "inveterate" include momentary, impermanent, transient, fleeting, temporary, occasional.
What are the different meanings of inveterate?
"inveterate" has 3 main meanings: 1. Well established because it has existed for a long time; 2. Having done something, often something bad, for so long that it is now a fixed habit; 3. Harmful, violently hostile, or full of spite.
