n.
Pronunciation: ' ha-b ə t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin habitus condition, character, from hab ē re to have, hold ― more at GIVE
Date: 13th century
1 archaic : CLOTHING
2 a : a costume characteristic of a calling, rank, or function <a nun's habit > b : a costume worn for horseback riding
3 : manner of conducting oneself : BEARING
4 : bodily appearance or makeup <a man of fleshy habit >
5 : the prevailing disposition or character of a person's thoughts and feelings : mental makeup
6 : a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior <her habit of taking a morning walk>
7 a : a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance b : an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary <got up early from force of habit > c : ADDICTION <a drug habit >
8 : characteristic mode of growth or occurrence <a grass similar to Indian corn in habit >
9 of a crystal : characteristic assemblage of forms at crystallization leading to a usual appearance : SHAPE
synonyms HABIT , PRACTICE , USAGE , CUSTOM , WONT mean a way of acting fixed through repetition. HABIT implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively <had a habit of tapping his fingers>. PRACTICE suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice <our practice is to honor all major credit cards>. USAGE suggests a customary action so generally followed that it has become a social norm <western-style dress is now common usage in international business>. CUSTOM applies to a practice or usage so steadily associated with an individual or group as to have almost the force of unwritten law <the custom of wearing black at funerals>. WONT usually applies to an habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group <as was her wont, she slept until noon>.