inveterate Definition
- 1having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change
- 2always doing something, or enjoying something, and unlikely to stop
Using inveterate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "inveterate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was an inveterate smoker.
Example
She's an inveterate liar.
Example
He's an inveterate gambler.
Example
She's an inveterate traveler.
inveterate Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for inveterate
- confirmed
- entrenched
- ingrained
- habitual
- deep-rooted
Antonyms for inveterate
Phrases with inveterate
a man who has never married and seems unlikely to marry
Example
He's an inveterate bachelor, always traveling and never settling down.
a person who always expects good things to happen and remains hopeful in difficult situations
Example
Despite the challenges, she remains an inveterate optimist, believing that things will get better.
a person who habitually doubts or questions accepted opinions or beliefs
Example
He's an inveterate skeptic, always questioning authority and challenging conventional wisdom.
Origins of inveterate
from Latin 'inveteratus', meaning 'long established'
Summary: inveterate in Brief
The term 'inveterate' [ɪnˈvɛt(ə)rət] describes a person with a long-established habit, activity, or interest that is unlikely to change. It can refer to someone who is always doing something or enjoying something and is unlikely to stop. Examples include 'He was an inveterate smoker' and 'She's an inveterate liar.' Phrases like 'inveterate bachelor' and 'inveterate optimist' further illustrate the concept.