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

For many of us, tipping at restaurants and for various services is an ingrained habit, depending on our local customs. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2024

Sauna is so ingrained in Finnish society that it’s recognized by UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and celebrated in Finnish songs, beliefs, and folklore. —Melinda Fulmer, TIME, 13 June 2024

Whatever their purpose, secret societies play off our species’ ingrained sociality, strengthening the ties of insiders and igniting the interest of those on the outside. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2024

The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, the federal policy that sets automobile fuel efficiency rules, have always been based on MPG, a big reason why the metric is so ingrained in popular consciousness. —David Zipper, Vox, 21 May 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