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

While data and external factors are crucial to consider, your intuition often reflects an ingrained understanding that may not be quantifiable at first. —Stanley C. Middleman, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Both Bell and Reid feel that music has the power to change minds and hearts, upend ingrained biases, and foster empathy. —Juan Velasquez, Them, 25 Nov. 2024

Nevertheless, as Pluto transits each sign, lessons and revelations are far-reaching and deeply ingrained in the collective psyche. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024

As Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) noted at a recent campaign event, the law is too ingrained in the health system to be outright repealed. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 5 Nov. 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