inveterate

/ɪnˈvɛtəɹɪt/

Group 17Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change
GRE

Example in Context

The inveterate gambler had lost three fortunes but remained convinced that his next wager would be the one to reverse his luck.

Synonyms

habitualchronicdeep-rooted

Etymology

Having a habit that is long-standing and unlikely to change.

  • in- (Latin) — not
  • veterare (Latin) — to make old

Memory Aid

🐀Sounds like “in vet rat

An IN-VET-RATE RAT that has been living in the same cheese shop for decades!

Visual Association

📅An old rat with a cane, celebrating its 50th anniversary of living in a cheese factory!

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “inveterate” mean on the GRE?

inveterate (adjective) means “Having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change”. The inveterate gambler had lost three fortunes but remained convinced that his next wager would be the one to reverse his luck.

How to remember “inveterate” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “inveterate” sounds like “in vet rat”. An IN-VET-RATE RAT that has been living in the same cheese shop for decades!

What are synonyms for “inveterate”?

Common synonyms: habitual, chronic, deep-rooted.