Hexis

/ˈhɛksɪs/ noun

Definition

In philosophy and ancient Greek thought, a habitual state, condition, or disposition of the body or mind developed through practice.

Etymology

From Greek 'hexis' meaning state or condition. Aristotle used this term to describe how repeated actions create permanent character traits, distinguishing it from temporary states or capacities.

Kelly Says

Aristotle figured out something psychologists still teach today: you aren't born good or bad, you become that way through repetition—and he had a fancy Greek word 'hexis' for this habit-building process centuries before habits became trendy.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.