Meaning & Definition of word "Inveterate"

Inveterate

/ɪnˈvɛtəreɪt/

1. Having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change.
- Example: He is an inveterate gambler, always drawn to the allure of the casino.
2. Firmly established by long persistence.
- Example: Her inveterate tendency to procrastinate often led to last-minute rushes before deadlines.
3. Deeply ingrained or chronic.
- Example: Despite several attempts to quit smoking, he remained an inveterate smoker.
4. Habitual or perennial.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: Old hat

● Example Sentence: His inveterate habits were old hat; everyone knew how he'd behave.

Meaning: Stuck in one's ways

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