Inveterateness

in·vet·er·ate  (n-vtr-t)

adj.

1. Firmly and long established; deep-rooted: inveterate preferences.

2. Persisting in an ingrained habit; habitual: an inveterate liar. See Synonyms at chronic.

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[Middle English, from Latin invetertus, past participle of inveterr, to grow old, endure : in-, causative pref.; see in-² + vetus, veter-, old; see wet-² in Indo-European roots.]

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in·veter·a·cy (-r--s), in·veter·ate·ness n.

in·veter·ate·ly adv.