# inveterate

**Pronunciation:** /ɪnˈvɛtərət/ · in-VET-er-it

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adjective

## Meaning

Having a particular habit, interest, or feeling that is long-established and unlikely to change.

## Examples

- She is an inveterate optimist, always seeing the good side of things.
- The inveterate traveler has visited every continent.
- He's an inveterate reader, finishing at least two books a week.

## Synonyms

- habitual — Describes something done regularly or habitually, often without conscious thought.
- confirmed — Implies a strong, unchangeable commitment to a habit or belief, often with a negative implication.
- hardened — Suggests someone has become resistant to change or influence, especially regarding a negative trait.
- entrenched — Describes a habit or belief that is so firmly established it's very difficult to change.

## Antonyms

- occasional — Happening infrequently or at irregular intervals.
- new — Recently started or acquired; not yet established.
- infrequent — Not happening often.

## Collocations

- inveterate liar — He's an inveterate liar; you can never trust a word he says.
- inveterate gambler — The story follows the life of an inveterate gambler struggling with addiction.
- inveterate smoker — Despite the health warnings, he remains an inveterate smoker.
- inveterate optimist — She's an inveterate optimist, always finding the silver lining.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/inveterate

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