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deep-seated

deep-seated

24 4.7
A feeling or belief that people cannot easily change
  • adjective
  • /ˈdiːpˈsiːtɪd/
translation icon : arraigado
  • The remaining problems, however, are deep-seated and will require a generation or more to overcome.
  • a deep-seated fear
  • deep-seated resentment
  • a deep-seated belief

It is this hatred, deep, deep seated hatred of who we are.

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Examples

  • And that made for one of the most important and deep seated relationships that I've ever had.

  • At the same time, Latin American journalism has suffered from deep-seated contradictions.

    Academic text (1993)
  • And it was the result of me not understanding some of the deep seated needs that I had.

  • People know that we face deep seated problems at home and abroad.

  • That kid has deep, deep-seated problems.

  • I think it comes from a deep seated envy of sorts, actually.

  • So, what we have is a deep-seated difficulty that is going to be very hard to overcome.

    Academic text (1990)
  • I believe it's a deep-seated fear of inadequacy.

  • A person striving to be the best may be harboring a deep-seated fear of failure and feelings of incompetence.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Many people struggle with deep-seated fears that prevent them from reaching their goals.

Synonyms

deep-rooted
vsdeep-seated
8 4.8

A feeling, belief or tradition that is very strong and hard to change

is aimed especially at personal feelings and ideas rather than traditions
ingrained
vsdeep-seated
6 6.4

Firmly fixed in a person, especially a habit or belief, so it is hard to change

is used more for feelings and ideas rather than habits
entrenched
vsdeep-seated
6 6.7

Strongly fixed and hard to change, often about beliefs or habits

is a general label for deep, long lasting beliefs or feelings
rooted
vsdeep-seated
3 3.7

Firmly connected to a particular place, idea, or feeling

is narrower, focusing on deep internal beliefs rather than external connections
embedded
vsdeep-seated
4.4

Held firmly inside something or made a normal part of a group

is about deep internal feelings or beliefs, not physical placement

Antonyms

94 5.6

Not thorough and only about what is obvious, not deep

38 7.0

Lasting only a short time and not permanent

How Deep

entrenched
6 6.7
ingrained
6 6.4
deep-seated
24 4.7
superficial
20 5.3

Surface Forms

deep-seated positive

Morphology

deep-seated = deep + seated (semi-transparent) = deep + seat + ed

The parts 'deep' and 'seated' (seat + -ed) combine in a figurative way meaning 'firmly situated'; the connection is clear but 'seated' as 'situated' may not be immediately obvious to all learners.

Etymology

Deep-seated comes from deep 'far down' and seat 'a place to sit' or seated 'sitting'. Picture a plant root or a person sitting very deep in a chair: something 'deep-seated' is fixed there and hard to move, which is why we use it for feelings or beliefs that do not change easily.