What does habitually mean?
Habitually means regularly, usually, or as a matter of habit. It describes an action that a person, group, or thing does repeatedly because of a settled tendency, rather than something that happens only occasionally. The word is especially useful when describing characteristic behavior: someone who habitually arrives early, a machine that habitually overheats, or a writer who habitually uses a particular image. Habitually is more formal and literary than regularly or often, and in some contexts it can subtly suggest that a repeated action is inconvenient, excessive, or easy to criticize. Although it is closely related to the adjective habitual, it normally describes the manner in which something occurs. It can also indicate that an action is typical without implying that it happens on every single occasion.
adverbIn a habitual manner; regularly or by habit. It describes an action that is performed as a settled tendency rather than merely on an occasional basis.
- Regularly, as a settled habit or tendency.
"She habitually checked her phone before beginning each task."
"The old printer habitually left a small ink mark in the margin."
"Students who habitually review their notes tend to retain more information."
Habitually turns a single action into a pattern: what you do by habit becomes part of who you seem to be.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does habitually come from?
Habitually was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to habitual. The adjective habitual comes through French from Latin habitus, meaning “having” or “condition,” ultimately derived from the Latin verb habere, “to have, hold.” The same Latin root also underlies related English words such as habit, habitable, and behavior. The adverb is consequently a fairly transparent formation indicating that an action is performed in accordance with habit.
How habitually is actually used
Habitually is formal and somewhat literary in many contexts; regularly or often is more common in everyday speech. It emphasizes established behavior, although it can sometimes imply that an action is repetitive or tiresome.