ingrained

[ in-greynd, in-greynd ]

adjective

1. firmly fixed; deep-rooted; inveterate:

   ingrained superstition.

2. wrought into or through the grain or fiber.

ingrained

/ ɪnˈɡreɪnd; ɪnˈɡreɪnɪdlɪ /

adjective

1. deeply impressed or instilled

   his fears are deeply ingrained

2. prenominal complete or inveterate; utter

   an ingrained fool

3. (esp of dirt) worked into or through the fibre, grain, pores, etc

Derived Forms

• ingrainedly, adverb
• inˈgrainedness, noun

Other Words From

• in·grain·ed·ly [in-, grey, -nid-lee, -, greynd, -], adverb
• in·grained·ness noun
• unin·grained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ingrained¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; ingrain + -ed ²

Example Sentences

"My culture is so ingrained in me, even though I was born in London," she says.

From BBC

Indeed, the middle class as a concept has become deeply ingrained into what it means to be American.

From Salon

“The ACA is so deeply ingrained, we need massive reform to make this work, and we got a lot of ideas on how to do that.”

From Salon

Clan identity is deeply ingrained in Somali society and politics, but it can be a sensitive topic.

From BBC

For Ulin, and for many others raised in New York, hating the Dodgers was ingrained in the mind, like hating an ex.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deep-seated
• fixed
• implanted
• inbred
• inherent
• innate
• intrinsic
• rooted