habit
UK: ˈhæbɪt | US: ˈhæbɪt
n. a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up
n. (archaic) clothing; a distinctive dress or costume
n. (biology) the general appearance or growth pattern of a plant or animal
The word "habit" traces back to Latin habitus, meaning "condition, appearance, or dress," derived from habere (to have, hold). Over time, it evolved in Old French as habit (clothing), reflecting how clothing "holds" or adorns the body. By the 14th century, English adopted it to denote both clothing and repetitive behaviors, metaphorically extending the idea of "holding" to ingrained actions or tendencies. The biological sense emerged later, describing the "appearance" of organisms.
She has a habit of drinking tea every morning.
The monk wore a simple brown habit.
Breaking a bad habit requires patience and discipline.
The cactus has a unique growth habit suited to arid climates.
In medieval times, a knight’s habit symbolized his rank.