habit
nounverbnouncommon in dialogue
- //ˈhæb.ɪt//
- //ˈhæb.ət//
An action performed on a regular basis.
noun
- 1
An action performed on a regular basis.
It’s become a habit of mine to have a cup of coffee after dinner.
I really need to get into the habit of writing down what I spend.
a man of very shy, retired habits
Irregular bedtimes may disrupt healthy brain development in young children, according to a study of intelligence and sleeping habits. ¶ Going to bed at a different time each night affected girls more than boys, but both fared worse on mental tasks than children who had a set bedtime, researchers found.
- 2
An action performed repeatedly and automatically, usually without awareness.
By force of habit, he dressed for work even though it was holiday.
- 3
An addiction.
kick the habit
He has a 10-cigar habit.
Another white boy band / They're happy on demand / Everything is planned / Until the singer gets a habit
Etymology
From Middle English habit, from Latin habitus (“condition, bearing, state, appearance, dress, attire”), from habeō (“to have, hold, keep”). Distantly related to gift. Replaced Middle English abit, from Old French abit, itself from the same Latin source. Displaced native Old English þēaw, wuna, ġewuna, and sidu.
verb
- 1
To clothe.
Ritson, who was a native of the bishoprick of Durham, tells us that the fairies frequented many parts of it; that they were described as being of the smallest size, and uniformly habited in green.
Here I began my shopping, was interviewed by dressmakers, and naturally had much to do to habit myself for civilized life again.
- 2
archaicTo inhabit.
Etymology
From Middle English habiten, from Old French habiter, from Latin habitāre (“to dwell, abide, keep”), frequentative of habeō (“to have, hold, keep”); see have.
noun
- 1
A long piece of clothing worn by monks and nuns.
It’s interesting how Catholic and Buddhist monks both wear habits.
- 2
A piece of clothing worn for a specific activity; a uniform.
The new riding habits of the team looked smashing!
Sidesaddle riding habits were prestigious tailored sportswear appropriate for the equestrian pursuits of the truly wealthy.
- 3
archaicOutward appearance; attire; dress.
Noble and milde this Perſean ſeemes to be, If outward habit Iudge the inward man.
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy.
There are, among the statues, several of Venus, in different habits.
[…]it was always my fate to choose for the worse, so I did here; for having money in my pocket and good clothes upon my back, I would always go on board in the habit of a gentleman; and so I neither had any business in the ship, or learned to do any.
- 4
Also a form of growth or general appearance and structure of a plant or crystalForm of growth or general appearance and structure of a plant or crystal.
Forms
- plural
- habits
- past tense
- habited
- past participle
- habited
- present participle
- habiting
- third person singular
- habits
habit · An action performed on a regular basis.
habitat · Conditions suitable for an organism or population of…hack · To chop or cut down in a rough manner.Hack · A surname.