Habit
/ˈhæbɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA regular tendency or practice, often performed automatically.
/ˈhæbɪt/
A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
He's trying to break his habit of smoking.
💡 Simply: A habit is something you do so often that it becomes natural, like brushing your teeth every morning. It's like your brain has a shortcut for it!
👶 For kids: Something you do a lot, like always eating the same breakfast or always saying "please" and "thank you."
More Examples
Good exercise habits can improve overall health.
The company is developing more sustainable business habits.
How It's Used
"Developing good study habits is crucial for academic success."
"She has a habit of biting her nails when she's nervous."
A distinctive form of dress, typically worn by members of a religious order.
/ˈhæbɪt/
A long, loose garment worn by a member of a religious order.
The priest's habit was a sign of his commitment to his vows.
💡 Simply: In some religious orders, a habit is a special outfit the people who live in the order wear. It's like their uniform!
👶 For kids: A special outfit that some people in churches or temples wear.
More Examples
Monks and nuns often wear habits to signify their devotion.
The habit distinguished the religious order's members.
How It's Used
"The nun wore a simple black habit."
Idioms & expressions
a creature of habit
A person who tends to do things in the same way or at the same time, a person who follows a set routine.
"He's a creature of habit; he always reads the newspaper at the same time every day."
kick the habit
To stop doing something that is a bad habit, especially a harmful one like smoking or using drugs.
"She's trying to kick the habit of biting her nails."
From Old French *habit* (clothing, appearance, behavior), from Latin *habitus* (condition, appearance, demeanor), from *habere* (to have, hold, possess).
The word 'habit' has been used for centuries, initially referring to a style of dress and behavior, evolving to primarily denote ingrained practices over time.
Memory tip
Think of a *rabbit* constantly doing the same *habit*.
Word Origin
"to have, hold, possess"