Word
ingrained
Phoneticsin·grained, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈɡɹeɪnd/
UK/ɪnɡɹˈeɪnd/
Definition
adj. describes a habit, belief, or attitude that is so deep and old that it is very hard to change. It is like a root that has grown deep into the ground.
adj. firmly established and difficult to change; deeply embedded within a person's character or a society's culture. Often used to describe psychological or sociological traits.
Examples
“The habit of waking up early is ingrained in him.”
“After decades of working in the same industry, certain professional routines become so ingrained that they are performed almost automatically.”
“The researchers argued that these prejudices were deeply ingrained in the local culture, making them resistant to even the most well-funded educational interventions.”
Examples
simple
“The habit of waking up early is ingrained in him.”
contextual
“After decades of working in the same industry, certain professional routines become so ingrained that they are performed almost automatically.”
complex
“The researchers argued that these prejudices were deeply ingrained in the local culture, making them resistant to even the most well-funded educational interventions.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'become', or 'remain', or appears as a participial adjective before a noun.
Real-World Examples
“Brian Anderson, a Methodist minister with the East Belfast Mission, said the narrative that loyalist communities are losing out to those in republican areas is deeply ingrained.” “Jaissle also followed the recent but now ingrained tradition of shaking each of his future interrogators’ hands.” Etymology
From ingrain + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/ingrained