What does "habit" mean?

1. (regular behaviour) something that you do often and regularly, sometimes without even thinking about it. 2. (an addiction) a strong need to keep doing something, usually something harmful like smoking. 3. (religious clothing) the long, traditional clothing worn by monks or nuns. 4. (growth pattern) the natural way that a plant or crystal grows and takes shape.

How do you use "habit"?

often used with the preposition 'of' followed by a gerund. frequently appears in the phrase 'kick the habit'.

habit

US //ˈhæbət// UK //hˈæbɪt// habit

1 regular behaviour (n.)
A2 Elementary

something that you do often and regularly, sometimes without even thinking about it.

a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.

Example

He has a habit of drinking a glass of water as soon as he wakes up.

Example

Developing the habit of critical reflection allows professionals to identify systemic flaws in their workflow before they lead to significant errors.

Usage

often used with the preposition 'of' followed by a gerund.
2 an addiction (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

a strong need to keep doing something, usually something harmful like smoking.

an addictive dependency on a substance or activity.

Example

It took him several months to finally kick his smoking habit.

Example

The clinic provides comprehensive support for individuals struggling to break a long-term drug habit through both therapy and medication.

Usage

frequently appears in the phrase 'kick the habit'.
- addiction
- dependency

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3 religious clothing (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

the long, traditional clothing worn by monks or nuns.

the distinctive costume or vestment of a particular religious order.

Example

The nun wore a traditional black habit and a white veil.

Example

The museum's textile collection includes a sixteenth-century Franciscan habit, remarkably preserved despite the fragility of the coarse woollen fabric.
- vestment
- robe
4 growth pattern (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

the natural way that a plant or crystal grows and takes shape.

the characteristic mode of growth or general appearance of a plant or mineral.

Example

This specific type of ivy has a climbing habit that covers walls quickly.

Example

When selecting trees for urban spaces, architects must consider the mature growth habit to ensure the canopy does not interfere with overhead power lines.
- form
- structure

Etymology 1

From Middle English habit, from Latin habitus (“condition, bearing, state, appearance, dress, attire”), from habeō (“to 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.

Etymology 2

From Middle English habiten, from Old French habiter, from Latin habitāre (“to dwell, abide, keep”), frequentative of habeō (“to have, hold, keep”); see have.

Idioms3 entries