Habits
/ˈhæbɪts/
Definitions
3 meaningsA regular behavior or practice that is performed often and almost automatically.
/ˈhæbɪts/
A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
She has a habit of biting her nails when she's nervous.
💡 Simply: A habit is something you do regularly, like a routine. It's like a groove you get into! For example, if you always drink coffee in the morning, that's a habit.
👶 For kids: A habit is something you do all the time, like brushing your teeth or eating snacks.
More Examples
Good habits like exercising can improve your health.
Breaking bad habits can be a challenge.
He developed the habit of reading before bed.
How It's Used
"Brushing your teeth twice a day is a good habit."
"Researchers study the formation and reinforcement of habits."
A common practice or way of behaving within a community or group.
/ˈhæbɪts/
A custom or usage.
The cultural habits of that region include special festivities.
💡 Simply: This is about how a group of people usually do things. Like, the habit of saying 'hello' when you meet someone.
👶 For kids: It's how a lot of people do things together.
More Examples
We observed the local eating habits during our trip.
Different societies have different habits regarding gift-giving.
Certain habits are common in her family.
How It's Used
"The habits of a particular society can dictate how people behave."
"Studying the habits of a culture helps in understanding it."
A distinctive style of clothing, especially that worn by members of a religious order.
/ˈhæbɪt/
Clothing, typically worn by religious individuals.
The monk's habit was simple and made of rough cloth.
💡 Simply: It's a special kind of clothes that certain religious people wear, like nuns or monks. It's a way to show they belong to their group.
👶 For kids: It's the special outfit that some grown-ups wear when they pray or go to church.
More Examples
The nun's habit included a veil and a long dress.
The color of the habit indicates their order.
Historical records contain mentions of various habits.
How It's Used
"The nun wore her traditional habit."
"Descriptions of monks often mention their simple habits."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
creature of habit
Someone who prefers a regular routine and dislikes change.
"My grandfather is a creature of habit; he eats the same breakfast every morning."
break a habit
To stop doing something that you do regularly.
"It's difficult to break the habit of smoking."
old habits die hard
It is difficult to change established behaviors.
"Even after moving to a new city, old habits die hard, and he still woke up at the same time."
From Middle English habit, habyt, from Old French habit, from Latin habitus (“condition, appearance, attire, habit”), from habere (“to have, hold, possess”).
The word 'habit' has been used for centuries, originally referring to clothing and later to repeated behaviors. In older texts, it could refer to a person's demeanor or disposition.
Memory tip
Think of how you repeatedly do something until it becomes automatic, like tying your shoes.