Inveterate
/ɪnˈvɛtərət/noun
Long-established and unlikely to change, especially describing a habit, attitude, or behavior.
Did you know?Inveterate comes from Latin roots meaning “to grow old,” linking stubborn habits to the ancient idea that long duration could harden something beyond easy change.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wetos
“Year; age; a period of time”
Classical Latin
Latin
vetus
“Old; aged; ancient”
Classical Latin
Latin
inveterare
“To grow old in or become hardened through long continuance”
Late Latin
Latin
inveteratus
“Aged, established, or deeply rooted”
14th Century
Middle English
inveterat
“Long-established; deeply rooted, especially of a habit or condition”
Modern English
English
inveterate
“Firmly established and difficult to change”
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