Inveterate
hardNegative tonein-VET-er-it
adjective
Definition
firmly established by long habit and unlikely to change
Memory hook
IN-VET-erate: an old VET who has groomed the same grumpy cat for 40 years, set in his ways and never changing his habits.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“An inveterate gambler, he could not pass a casino without stopping to place a bet.”
“Her inveterate optimism survived even the bleakest setbacks of the campaign.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“An ______ gambler, he could not pass a casino without stopping to place a bet.”
Show answer
inveterate
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Inveterate is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "habitual" or "ingrained" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "occasional".
Related GRE Words
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
circumspect
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
complaisant
Willing to please others; obliging; agreeable
conciliatory
intended to placate or win goodwill; appeasing
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