Entry Word: inveterate

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 firmly established over time <he has an inveterate tendency to tell tall tales that began when he was just a little boy>

Synonyms confirmed, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched (also intrenched), hard-core, rooted, settled

Related Words fixed, immutable, set; implanted, inculcated, instilled; inborn, inbred, inherent, innate, natural; accustomed, chronic, customary, habitual, regular, typical, usual; abiding, enduring, lifelong, persistent, persisting

Near Antonyms brief, ephemeral, fleeting, impermanent, momentary, short-lived, temporary, transient

2 being such by habit and not likely to change <the man is an inveterate liar who only rarely tells the truth> — see habitual 1