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Ingrain - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Ingrain means to firmly establish something, such as a habit, belief, or attitude, so deeply that it becomes difficult to change. It often refers to long-lasting or habitual traits.

ingrain

/ɪnˈɡreɪn/ /ɪnˈɡreɪn/

Definition:

To firmly fix or establish something, especially a habit or belief, in a person's mind.

Synonyms:

implant, embed, instill, engrain

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

erase, remove

Common Collocations:

deeply ingrained, ingrain habits, ingrain values

Derivatives:

ingrained, ingraining

Usage Tips:

Use "ingrain" to describe deeply established habits or beliefs that are hard to change.

Common Phrases:

ingrained habit, ingrain in memory, deeply ingrained

Etymology:

From Middle English "engreinen," meaning to dye with cochineal or root dyes; later generalized to mean "fix deeply."

Examples:

  • 1. Her parents tried to ingrain good manners in her from a young age.
  • 2. The culture of teamwork is deeply ingrained in their company’s values.
  • 3. Repetition helps ingrain new vocabulary in your memory.
  • 4. His fear of failure was so ingrained that he avoided challenges.

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