Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

IPA: /həˈbɪtʃuəl/, /həˈbɪtjuəl/

Definitions

1. Done or experienced regularly and repeatedly.
2. Established by long-standing usage or custom.
3. (Law) Relating to a person who has a pattern of repeated behavior, often negative.

Usage Examples

• "She took her habitual morning walk through the park."
• "His habitual tardiness cost him his job."
• "The defendant was a habitual offender and faced harsher sentencing."

Etymology

Derived from Latin habitualis, from habitus (condition, state, appearance), which is the past participle of habere (to have, to hold).

Synonyms

• Customary
• Usual
• Regular
• Routine
• Frequent

Antonyms

• Unusual
• Occasional
• Irregular
• Rare

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "habitual" is commonly pronounced as /həˈbɪtʃuəl/, whereas in British English, it is more often pronounced as /həˈbɪtjuəl/ with a distinct "y" sound.

Historical Usage

The term "habitual" has been used since the 15th century to describe customs and repetitive actions, particularly in religious, legal, and social contexts.

Cultural Nuances

The word "habitual" often carries a neutral or negative connotation. While it can simply refer to regular behavior, in legal and psychological contexts, it is often associated with habitual criminals or habitual behaviors that may need intervention.

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