Inveterate

/ɪnˈvɛtəreɪt/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change.

He is an inveterate gambler, always drawn to the allure of the casino.

Firmly established by long persistence.

Her inveterate tendency to procrastinate often led to last-minute rushes before deadlines.

Deeply ingrained or chronic.

Despite several attempts to quit smoking, he remained an inveterate smoker.

Habitual or perennial.

The inveterate critics of the policy continued to voice their discontent at every meeting.

From Latin 'inveteratus', past participle of 'inveterare' which means 'to grow old, to become old'.

inveterate optimist

Someone who has a habit of always looking on the bright side.

inveterate smoker

A person who smokes habitually and has done so for a long time.

inveterate collector

Someone who has a long-standing habit of collecting items.

veteran

A person who has had long experience in a particular field.

inveteracy

The condition of being inveterate.

Old hat

His inveterate habits were old hat; everyone knew how he'd behave.

Stuck in one's ways

He's so inveterate, he's stuck in his ways and won't try anything new.