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noun

die Gewohnheit, -en

habit

Etwas, das man oft und regelmäßig tut, bis es ganz normal und selbstverständlich wird.

Definition & meaning

The word Gewohnheit refers to a behavior or action that a person performs regularly and often automatically because they have done it many times before. In English, it is most commonly translated as "habit."

It can be used in several contexts:

  1. Personal Habit: A routine or repetitive behavior specific to an individual, such as drinking coffee every morning or biting one's nails.
  2. Custom or Practice: A general way of acting that is typical for a certain group or in a certain situation, similar to a tradition or an established practice.
  3. Conditioned Response: In a psychological context, it describes the state of being accustomed to something through frequent exposure.

Grammar & Word origin

Gewohnheit is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Gewohnheiten.

The word is composed of two parts:

  • gewohnt: This is the past participle of the archaic or related verb "wohnen" (which originally meant "to dwell" or "to be content," but in this context relates to being "used to" something).
  • -heit: This is a common German suffix used to turn adjectives into abstract feminine nouns (similar to the English suffix "-ness" or "-hood").

Etymologically, it is related to the verb gewöhnen , which means "to accustom" or "to get used to."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Gepflogenheit : Often used for social customs or formal practices.
  • Routine : Refers specifically to a sequence of actions followed regularly.
  • Brauch : Usually refers to a cultural or social custom/tradition.
  • Sitte : Refers to a moral custom or social convention.
  • Usus : A more formal or academic term for a common practice.

Antonyms:

  • Ausnahme : An exception to the rule or a one-time occurrence.
  • Neuerung : An innovation or something new that breaks established patterns.
  • Abwechslung : Variety or a change from the usual routine.
  • Ungewohntheit : The state of being unaccustomed to something.

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Examples

Eine gute Gewohnheit beginnt oft mit dem ersten Schritt.noun

A good habit often begins with the first step.

Seine Gewohnheit des frühen Aufstehens ist bemerkenswert.noun

His habit of waking up early is remarkable.

Die Gewohnheit des täglichen Lesens ist förderlich für die Intelligenz.noun

The habit of daily reading is beneficial for intelligence.

Gewohnheiten prägen unseren Alltag.noun

Habits shape our everyday life.

Manchmal braucht eine Gewohnheit Zeit, um sich zu ändern.noun

Sometimes a habit needs time to change.

Jede Gewohnheit kann das Leben beeinflussen.noun

Every habit can influence life.

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