Habit Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：customary behavior pattern (habit)

habit 🔊

/ˈhæbɪt/

A regular way of behaving that you do often without thinking.

customary behavior pattern 🔊

➕

/ˈkʌstəmeri bɪˈheɪvjər ˈpætərn/

A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'habitus' (condition, appearance), past participle of 'habere' (to have, hold).

💡 Mnemonic

HA-BIT: You 'have a bit' of repeated action that becomes automatic.

📖 Example

Developing a reading habit before bed helps her relax and sleep better. 🔊 Developing a reading habit before bed helps her relax and sleep better.

🔗 Collocations

form a habit – To develop a regular practice

break a habit – To stop doing something regularly

habit of mind – A usual way of thinking

🔄 Synonyms

routine (n.) – A sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.

custom (n.) – A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something.

practice (n.) – The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories.

🚫 Antonyms

exception (n.) – A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule.

impulse (n.) – A sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act.

novelty (n.) – The quality of being new, original, or unusual.

🌱 Derivatives

habitual (adj.) – Done or doing constantly or as a habit.

habituate (v.) – Make or become accustomed or used to something.

habitat (n.) – The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally meant 'clothing' or 'outward appearance' in Latin; via Old French 'habit' it evolved into English meaning 'customary practice' by the 14th century.