ingrain

[ verb in-greyn; adjective noun in-greyn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to implant or fix deeply and firmly, as in the nature or mind.

   Synonyms: imbue, inculcate, infuse

adjective

1. ingrained; firmly fixed.
2. (of fiber or yarn) dyed in a raw state, before being woven or knitted.
3. made of fiber or yarn so dyed:

   ingrain fabric.

4. (of carpets) made of ingrain yarn and so woven as to show a different pattern on each side; reversible.

noun

1. yarn, wool, etc., dyed before manufacture.
2. an ingrain carpet.

ingrain

verb

1. to impress deeply on the mind or nature; instil
2. archaic.
   to dye into the fibre of (a fabric)

adjective

1. variants of ingrained
2. (of woven or knitted articles, esp rugs and carpets) made of dyed yarn or of fibre that is dyed before being spun into yarn

noun

1. 1. a carpet made from ingrained yarn
   2. such yarn

Word History and Origins

Origin of ingrain¹

First recorded in 1760–70; originally phrase (dyed) in grain (i.e., with kermes)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ingrain¹

C18: from the phrase dyed in grain dyed with kermes through the fibre

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

• instill