inveterate

Definition

Firmly established from having been around for a long time; of long standing.

Etymology

The adjective is first attested in 1528, the verb in 1574; borrowed from Latin inveterātus (“of long standing, chronic”), perfect passive participle of inveterō and participial adjective (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from in- (“in, into”) + veterō (“to age”), from vetus, veteris (“old”). Cognate with Italian inveterato, French invétéré.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: deep-rooted, ingrained, ineradicable, indelible, radicated, chronic, permanent"
• "an inveterate disease"
• "an inveterate habit"

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