What Is Habit? Definition And Usage Of This Term
WHAT IS HABIT – In this topic, we will first know the definition of this term and how is this term used in sentences.
Definition
The Oxford Dictionary defines the term as the following:
- a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
- an addictive practice, especially one of taking drugs.
- an automatic reaction to a specific situation.
- a long, loose garment worn by a member of a religious order or congregation
- a person’s bodily condition or constitution
On the other hand, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines this term as the following:
- a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior
- an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary
- a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance
- a costume characteristic of a calling, rank, or function
- manner of conducting oneself
- the prevailing disposition or character of a person’s thoughts and feelings : mental makeup
Synonyms
Here are some of the following synonyms of this term:
- practice
- custom
- pattern
- routine
- style
- convention
- policy
- wont
- garment
- outfit
- robe
- costume
- uniform
- attire
- dress
Etymology
It is a Middle English term, which is derived from the Old French abit, which is from the Latin term habitus or ‘condition, appearance’. This is derived from habere or ‘have, consist of’
Examples
Here are some examples of the usage of this term:
- Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step a time.
- Unable to defeat him by logical discussion, she fell back on her old habit of criticizing his speech.
- Love is an art of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.
- It is the nature of such pedantry to habit itself in a harsh and crabbed style.
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