engrained
Fixed within permanently
Engrained is a variant spelling of ingrained, meaning deeply embedded or firmly established through long exposure or habit: engrained prejudices, engrained patterns of behavior.
The original sense referred to dye worked deep into fabric fibers—color so thoroughly absorbed it couldn't be washed out.
The spelling with e- is less common but equally acceptable.
Firmly established, resistant to change
- rootedFirmly established in place
- fixedRestored or immovable
- lodgedFixed firmly within
- anchoredFixed securely in position
implanted · deep-rooted · established · settled · set · ingrown · incorporated · interwoven
Impossible to remove
- lastingContinuing through time
- enduringPersisting through time
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
- irreversibleCannot be undone
unerasable · fixed · immutable · unchangeable · permanent · ineradicable · ineffaceable · etched
Existing since birth
- inbornExisting from birth
- intrinsicBelonging by nature
- hardwiredPermanently connected by wires
- naturalNot artificially produced
genetic · congenital · constitutional · fundamental · native · elemental · essential · deep-seated
Regular sequence of actions
- habitSettled regular tendency
- automaticOperating without intervention
- second-natureAcquired behavior feeling innate
- instinctiveArising without conscious thought
reflexive · customary · unconscious · unthinking · conditioned · mechanical · repetitive · practiced
Taught beliefs uncritically
- inculcatedImplanted by persistent teaching
- taughtImparted knowledge to
- learnedHaving much knowledge
- conditionedTaught automatic responses
drilled · imparted · absorbed · instilled · fostered · nurtured · trained · programmed
entrenched
Firmly established, resistant to change
anchored · implanted · deep-rooted · established · settled · set · ingrown · incorporated · interwoven · enmeshed
indelible
Impossible to remove
- lastingContinuing through time
- enduringPersisting through time
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
irreversible · unerasable · fixed · immutable · unchangeable · permanent · ineradicable · ineffaceable · etched · ineliminable
innate
Existing since birth
natural · genetic · congenital · constitutional · fundamental · native · elemental · essential · deep-seated · underlying
routine
Regular sequence of actions
- habitSettled regular tendency
- automaticOperating without intervention
- second-natureAcquired behavior feeling innate
instinctive · reflexive · customary · unconscious · unthinking · conditioned · mechanical · repetitive · practiced · accustomed
indoctrinated
Taught beliefs uncritically
- inculcatedImplanted by persistent teaching
- taughtImparted knowledge to
- learnedHaving much knowledge
conditioned · drilled · imparted · absorbed · instilled · fostered · nurtured · trained · programmed · brainwashed
tradition
Custom passed through generations
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- valuesPrinciples held worthwhile
beliefs · norms · ethos · rituals · practices · ancestry · identity · folklore · taboos · ceremonies
engrainedsuperficial
Lacking depth or substance
surface-level · shallow · skin-deep · external · peripheral