Which word describes something long-established and unlikely to change; habitual?

Which word describes something long-established and unlikely to change; habitual?

• A. Inveterate
• B. Prurient
• C. Emissary
• D. Unedifying

Answer: (A)

Think of a habit or condition that has become so deeply rooted that it seems almost permanent. Inveterate describes exactly that: something long-established and unlikely to change, especially a habit that’s persisted for a long time. It emphasizes deep, ingrained persistence, as in an inveterate smoker or an inveterate liar—where the behavior feels fixed and resistant to change. That sense isn’t captured by the other words here. Prurient refers to an excessive, often inappropriate interest, especially in sexual matters. Emissary means a messenger or representative sent on a mission. Unedifying describes something that is not uplifting or that caused disapproval. So inveterate is the best fit because it directly conveys enduring, habitual persistence.

Think of a habit or condition that has become so deeply rooted that it seems almost permanent. Inveterate describes exactly that: something long-established and unlikely to change, especially a habit that’s persisted for a long time. It emphasizes deep, ingrained persistence, as in an inveterate smoker or an inveterate liar—where the behavior feels fixed and resistant to change.

That sense isn’t captured by the other words here. Prurient refers to an excessive, often inappropriate interest, especially in sexual matters. Emissary means a messenger or representative sent on a mission. Unedifying describes something that is not uplifting or that caused disapproval. So inveterate is the best fit because it directly conveys enduring, habitual persistence.