Habit

/ˈhæbɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A regular practice or routine, often one that is hard to give up.

She has a habit of procrastinating her assignments until the last minute.

An acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary.

He developed a habit of jogging every morning for his health.

A customary practice or tendency.

His habit of reading before bed has improved his sleep quality.

A behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously.

Biting nails is a common habit that many people struggle to break.

An established routine or pattern of behavior.

Good study habits can lead to better academic performance.

Middle English, from Old French 'habite', from Latin 'habitus' meaning 'condition, appearance, dress'.

bad habit

A negative pattern of behavior that is often hard to break.

have a habit of

To frequently do something, especially something that has become routine.

break the habit

To stop doing something that has become a regular practice.

routine

A regular course of procedure.

custom

A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something.

tendency

An inclination toward a particular characteristic or type of behavior.

Addiction

He's got a real habit for gaming; he spends all his free time playing.

Tick

She has a habit of biting her nails when she’s nervous.