The word “ingrain” refers to deeply embedding or firmly establishing an idea, belief, habit, or quality into a person or system so that it becomes a fundamental part of their nature. Unlike surface-level influences, something ingrained is difficult to remove because it has taken root over time. For example, educators work to ingrain critical thinking skills in students to prepare them for complex challenges. Similarly, values such as honesty, respect, and hard work are often ingrained during childhood by parents or mentors. Negative habits, like procrastination or bias, can also become ingrained if not addressed early. Culture and tradition often ingrain specific customs or attitudes within societies, shaping their collective identity. Whether it is a behavior, mindset, or routine, ingraining emphasizes the depth and permanence of what is taught, learned, or absorbed. This process highlights the importance of consistent reinforcement to ensure long-lasting change.
Sample Sentences
- Hard work and perseverance were ingrained in him from a young age.
- The teacher’s goal was to ingrain good study habits in her students.
- Over time, cultural traditions become ingrained in society.
- Her childhood experiences ingrained a sense of independence in her.
- The habit of punctuality was ingrained through years of strict discipline.
- Biases can become ingrained if individuals are not exposed to diverse perspectives.
- The importance of teamwork was ingrained in the company’s training programs.
- The coach sought to ingrain confidence and self-belief in the players.
- These safety practices are ingrained in employees to ensure accident prevention.
- His values were so deeply ingrained that they guided every decision he made.
Synonyms for “Ingrain”
- Embed
- Implant
- Instill
- Imbue
- Infuse
- Inculcate
- Root
- Fix
- Establish
- Permeate
Antonyms for “Ingrain”
- Remove
- Erase
- Eliminate
- Expunge
- Extract
- Dislodge
- Wipe out
- Strip
- Withdraw
- Undo
Related Words and Expressions
Related Words:
- Embed
- Instill
- Implant
- Fix
- Establish
- Root
- Cement
- Reinforce
- Perpetuate
- Saturate
Phrasal Verbs:
- Root in (to firmly ingrain something in someone’s mind or habits)
- Set in (to become deeply established or ingrained over time)
- Drum into (to ingrain an idea or skill through repeated teaching)
- Hammer in (to emphasize an idea until it becomes ingrained)
- Build into (to incorporate or ingrain something as part of a larger structure)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Old habits die hard (ingrained habits are difficult to change)
- Set in stone (something deeply ingrained or unchangeable)
- Carved into one’s heart (ingrained emotionally or deeply valued)
- Make second nature (to ingrain a skill or habit until it becomes automatic)
- Part and parcel of (something ingrained as a fundamental part of a whole)
