Inveterate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /in-ˈve-t(ə-)rət/ in·vet·er·ate

Meaning & Definition of Inveterate

Inveterate (adjective)

  1. confirmed in a habit, habitual
  2. firmly established by long persistence

Inveterate (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. firmly established over time

    "he has an inveterate tendency to tell some very tall tales"

    similar: bred-in-the-bone, confirmed, deep, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched, hard-core, rooted, settled
    related: firm, fixed, frozen, hard, hard-and-fast, immutable, irradicable, set, unalterable, unchangeable, embedded, implanted, inculcated, instilled, inborn, inbred, ingrained, inherent, innate, integral, intrinsic, natural, accustomed, chronic, customary, habitual, regular, typical, usual, abiding, enduring, lifelong, persistent, persisting
    near: brief, ephemeral, fleeting, impermanent, interim, momentary, provisional, short-lived, short-term, temporary, transient

  2. being such by habit and not likely to change

    "the man is an inveterate liar who only rarely tells the truth"

    similar: bred-in-the-bone, chronic, confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, habitual
    related: incorrigible, unreconstructed, unregenerate, born, natural, persistent, regular, repeat, serial, steady, unchanging, unfailing, addicted, accustomed, habituated, used, wonted, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched, inbred, inherent, innate, intrinsic, apt, inclined, prone, mulish, obstinate, set, stubborn
    near: unaccustomed, unused, intermittent, occasional

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Inveterate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Inveterate:

bred-in-the-bone, confirmed, deep, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched, hard-core, rooted, settled, chronic, dyed-in-the-wool, habitual

Related Words for Inveterate

firm, fixed, frozen, hard, hard-and-fast, immutable, irradicable, set, unalterable, unchangeable, embedded, implanted, inculcated, instilled, inborn, inbred, ingrained, inherent, innate, integral, intrinsic, natural, accustomed, customary, regular, typical, usual, abiding, enduring, lifelong

Near Antonyms of Inveterate

brief, ephemeral, fleeting, impermanent, interim, momentary, provisional, short-lived, short-term, temporary, transient, unaccustomed, unused, intermittent, occasional

Word Forms of Inveterate

Derived words: inveterately (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Inveterate

Middle English, from Latin inveteratus, from past participle of inveterare to age (transitive verb), from in- + veter-, vetus old wether

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Inveterate

What does "Inveterate" mean?

"Inveterate" means confirmed in a habit, habitual. As an adjective, it is defined as: confirmed in a habit, habitual. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Inveterate"?

Other words for "Inveterate" include bred-in-the-bone, confirmed, deep, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched, hard-core and rooted. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Inveterate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Inveterate"?

There are 63 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Inveterate". Common alternatives include bred-in-the-bone, confirmed, deep, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched, hard-core, rooted, settled and chronic.

How do you use "Inveterate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Inveterate" in a sentence: "he has an inveterate tendency to tell some very tall tales"; "the man is an inveterate liar who only rarely tells the truth".

Is "Inveterate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Inveterate" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Inveterate"?

"Inveterate" is pronounced /in-ˈve-t(ə-)rət/ and divided into syllables as in·vet·er·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Inveterate"?

"Inveterate" comes from Middle English, from Latin inveteratus, from past participle of inveterare to age (transitive verb), from in- + veter-, vetus old wether. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Inveterate" meaning "firmly established over time"?

When "Inveterate" (adjective) means firmly established over time, synonyms include bred-in-the-bone, confirmed, deep, deep-rooted, deep-seated and entrenched.