Master confusing words with ease
Ingrained vs. Engrained
Ingrained
/ɪnˈɡreɪnd/Examples:
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Engrained
/ɪnˈɡreɪnd/Examples:
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- The spelling ingrained is more commonly used than engrained.
- Both words originate from the verb grain, but ingrained has a more metaphorical usage for concepts and habits.
- If you think of an engraving process, it might help you remember that engrained seems more physical and tactile, while ingrained is more abstract.
- The in prefix in ingrained can remind you of something internal, like habits and characteristics.
- Engrained and ingrained are essentially interchangeable, but choose ingrained for more common modern usage.
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