What's the Difference Between 'Engrained' and 'Ingrained'?

In this blog post we look at when to use engrained and when to use ingrained.

'Engrained' or 'Ingrained'?

"Ingrained" and "engrained" are alternative spellings of the same word, which is used as an adjective to describe something that is deeply or firmly impressed or ingrained. Both spellings are used in English, but "ingrained" is more commonly used.

"Ingrained" is used to describe something that has become a permanent part of someone or something, often through repetition or practice.

For example: "He had an ingrained sense of fairness and always tried to do the right thing."

"Engrained" is a less commonly used spelling of the same word, and it has the same meaning as "ingrained." It is also used as an adjective to describe something that has become a permanent part of someone or something.

For example: "Her love of reading was engrained in her from a young age."

Both spellings of the word are derived from the verb "ingrain" or "engrain," which means "to impress deeply or firmly."

In summary, "ingrained" and "engrained" are alternative spellings of the same word, and both are used as adjectives to describe something that is deeply or firmly impressed or ingrained. "Ingrained" is the more commonly used spelling.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference between "engrained" and "ingrained":

  • "He had an ingrained sense of fairness and always tried to do the right thing." (In this sentence, "ingrained" is used as an adjective to describe something that has become a permanent part of someone or something.)

  • "Her love of reading was ingrained in her from a young age." (In this sentence, "ingrained" is used as an adjective to describe something that has become a permanent part of someone or something.)

  • "The habit of procrastination was so engrained in him that he struggled to complete tasks on time." (In this sentence, "engrained" is used as an adjective to describe something that has become a permanent part of someone or something.)

  • "The company's values were deeply engrained in its employees and were reflected in their work." (In this sentence, "engrained" is used as an adjective to describe something that has become a permanent part of someone or something.)

Examples of Engrained in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word "engrained":

  1. "The habit of procrastination was so engrained in him that he struggled to complete tasks on time."

  2. "The company's values were deeply engrained in its employees and were reflected in their work."

  3. "Her love of music was engrained in her from a young age and she pursued it as a career."

  4. "The belief that hard work leads to success was engrained in him from a young age."

  5. "His love for his country was engrained in him from the moment he was born."

  6. "The need for cleanliness and order was deeply engrained in her personality."

  7. "The idea of helping others was engrained in the organization's mission statement."

  8. "His dedication to his job was engrained in him from the day he started."

  9. "Her passion for cooking was engrained in her from a young age and she eventually opened her own restaurant."

  10. "The importance of education was engrained in him by his parents and he worked hard to excel in school."

Examples of Ingrained in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word "ingrained":

  1. "He had an ingrained sense of fairness and always tried to do the right thing."

  2. "Her love of reading was ingrained in her from a young age."

  3. "The habit of exercise was deeply ingrained in his daily routine."

  4. "The need for independence was ingrained in him from a young age and he always preferred to do things on his own."

  5. "The belief that honesty is the best policy was ingrained in him by his parents."

  6. "Her love for her family was ingrained in her and she always put their needs before her own."

  7. "The importance of hard work was ingrained in him by his grandfather and he always gave his best effort."

  8. "His passion for art was ingrained in him from a young age and he eventually pursued it as a career."

  9. "The desire to help others was ingrained in her personality and she always sought out opportunities to give back to her community."

  10. "The importance of education was ingrained in him by his teachers and he always worked hard to excel in school."


Engrained or Ingrained
Engrained or Ingrained