/ˈhæb.ɪt/, /ˈhæb.ət/
OriginFrom Middle English habit, from Latin habitus (“condition, bearing, state, appearance, dress, attire”), from habeō (“I 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.
- countable, uncountableAn action performed on a regular basis.
“It’s become a habit of mine to have a cup of coffee after dinner.”
“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 ”
- countable, uncountableAn action performed repeatedly and automatically, usually without awareness.
“By force of habit, he dressed for work even though it was holiday.”
- countable, uncountableAn 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”
- countable, uncountableA long piece of clothing worn by monks and nuns.
“It’s interesting how Catholic and Buddhist monks both wear habits.”
- countable, uncountableA 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.”
- archaic, countable, uncountableOutward 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.”
- transitiveTo clothe.
“Here I began my shopping, was interviewed by dressmakers, and naturally had much to do to habit myself for civilized life again.”
- archaic, transitiveTo inhabit.
Formshabits(plural) · habits(present, singular, third-person) · habiting(participle, present) · habited(participle, past) · habited(past)