ingrained

adjective

in·​grained ˈin-ˌgrānd  (ˌ)in-ˈgrānd 

variants or less commonly engrained

(ˌ)in-ˈgrānd 

1

: forming a part of the essence or inmost being : deep-seated

ingrained prejudice

2

: worked into the grain or fiber

ingrainedly

ˈin-ˌgrā-nəd-lē 

ˈin-ˌgrānd-lē

(ˌ)in-ˈgrā-nəd-lē 

-ˈgrānd-

adverb

or less commonly engrainedly

(ˌ)in-ˈgrā-nəd-lē 

-ˈgrānd-

Synonyms

• built-in
• constitutional
• constitutive
• essential
• hardwired
• immanent
• inborn
• inbred
• indigenous
• ingrain
• inherent
• innate
• integral
• intrinsic
• native
• natural

Examples of ingrained in a Sentence

These attitudes are very deeply ingrained in the culture.

her deeply ingrained distrust of all authority

Recent Examples on the Web

Sharing a 830 mile border with Russia, Finland has a deeply ingrained history of defending itself against its eastern neighbor. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

The Lone Star State has a rich history of Mexican-American culture, and tamales are a beloved and deeply ingrained part of that heritage. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024

There are many other examples, but the degree to which this phenomenon is so ingrained in our culture has surprised me. —Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 16 Dec. 2024

It’s been around for over 5,000 years and is deeply ingrained in global commerce and traditions. —Frank Holmes, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

ingrained

adjective

in·​grained ˈin-ˌgrānd  (ˈ)in-ˈgrānd 

1

: worked into the grain or fiber

2

: forming a part of the inmost being : deep-seated

ingrained attitudes