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Habituation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Habituation is the process of becoming accustomed to a stimulus after repeated exposure, leading to a decreased response. It is a form of learning observed in humans and animals.

habituation

/həˌbɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/ /həˌbɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/

Definition:

The process of becoming accustomed to a stimulus after repeated exposure.

Synonyms:

acclimatization, adaptation, adjustment, desensitization

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

sensitization, awareness, novelty

Common Collocations:

habituation process, habituation effect, habituation period, habituation training

Derivatives:

habituate, habituated, habituating

Usage Tips:

Use "habituation" to describe reduced response to repeated stimuli, often in psychology or biology contexts.

Common Phrases:

habituation to noise, sensory habituation, emotional habituation

Etymology:

From Latin "habituare," meaning to accustom or make familiar through frequent use or exposure.

Examples:

  • 1. The loud noise caused initial alarm but led to habituation over time.
  • 2. Habituation helps animals ignore harmless stimuli in their environment.
  • 3. Children show habituation to repetitive sounds faster than adults do.
  • 4. The study measured habituation rates in participants exposed to constant light.

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