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engrain

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪnˈɡreɪn/

KK: /ɪnˈɡreɪn/

transitive verb
Definition

To firmly establish or fix something in a person's mind or in a particular place.


Example

The teacher tried to engrain the importance of honesty in her students.


Tense Forms

Past: engrained

Past Participle: engrained


Conversation
Sloth A
I think it's important to engrain good habits in our daily routine.
Sloth B
Absolutely! The earlier we start, the better it is for us.
Sloth A
Do you have any tips on how to engrain them effectively?
Sloth B
I find that consistency really helps, like setting reminders.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
instill
embed
root
Antonyms
eradicate
remove
dislodge
Root Explanation

Engrain is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "grain" (from Old French *grain*, meaning seed or small particle). The word "engrain" means to cause something to be deeply embedded or ingrained, like a seed taking root.

Memory Tip

Think of 'causing something to be in' ('en-') like a 'seed' ('grain') taking root deeply in the ground — that's how ingrained something becomes.

Visually Confused Words
ungrain
ingrain
entrain
degrain
begrain
grain
nongrain
engaging
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