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ingrained

in-GRAYND /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/

adjectiveC1GRESATIELTS

academicliterarygeneral

Firmly established and deeply rooted; difficult to change or eradicate.

Carries a metaphor of dye worked deep into the core fibers of wood or fabric.

The story behind the word. In the Middle Ages, wool was dyed 'in grain' using kermes insects (which looked like tiny seeds or grains) to produce an unfading crimson dye worked directly into the fibers before weaving. By the 16th century, 'ingrained' described any quality deeply worked into someone's nature.

Word relationships

entrenched: Entrenched uses a military metaphor of digging military trenches; ingrained uses a textile/wood dye metaphor.
deep-seated: Deep-seated emphasizes spatial depth inside the psyche.

superficial: Superficial exists only on the surface and is easily removed.
transient: Transient implies temporary and passing quickly.

Commonly confused with

ingratiated: Ingratiated means flattering someone to gain favor; ingrained means deeply fixed.

Word family

ingrain (verb): To fix deeply and firmly in the mind or nature.

Collocations

deeply ingrained
ingrained habit
ingrained prejudice
ingrained behavior

Idioms & expressions

dyed in the wool
part of the wood

Example sentences

"Deeply ingrained beliefs formed in childhood often dictate adult emotional responses." Psychology
"Cultural prejudices can become so ingrained that citizens do not notice their presence." Sociology

Memory hook

IN the GRAIN of wood, the color cannot be scrubbed off. In-grain = pushed deep into the wood's grain.

When not to use

Avoid using for temporary habits or superficial trends.

Fun facts

The original red dye used for 'ingrain' cloth was so expensive that kings wore ingrained robes to show permanent power!

Related words

automaticity, compulsive, internalize

Explore more words

entrenched, indelible, immutable, inevitable, steadfast, Unyielding