Word: entrenched

Associations

The word "entrenched" means firmly established or ingrained in a particular mindset, idea, or situation. It often refers to something that is difficult to change or remove.

• Example 1: "The tradition is entrenched in the community." This means that the tradition is a deep-rooted part of the community’s culture and hard to change.
• Example 2: "His entrenched views made it hard for him to accept new ideas." This indicates he holds his beliefs strongly, making him resistant to changing those views.
• Example 3: "The entrenched problems in the system hinder progress." This means that the issues are deeply rooted and difficult to solve or eliminate.

A well-known synonym is "established." The key difference is that "entrenched" often implies a negative connotation, indicating something resistant to change, while "established" can simply mean something that is accepted or recognized without negative implications.

Substitution

Instead of "entrenched," you might use:

• "ingrained," which suggests something deeply embedded but less formal.
• "fixed," which implies something that cannot be changed easily, but can be more neutral.
• "rooted," indicating strong integration in a base or foundation, perhaps without the same negative impact.

Deconstruction

The word "entrenched" comes from the verb "entrench," which means to place something in a trench or to establish firmly. The prefix "en-" means to cause to be in or to surround, and the root "trench" refers to a deep, narrow excavation. Historically, "to entrench" was often used in military contexts, where soldiers would make defenses in trenches, thus becoming secure.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a tradition in your life that feels entrenched?
• Have you ever tried to change someone's entrenched belief? What happened?
• In what situations do you think being entrenched can be good or bad?

These questions can help you relate the concept of "entrenched" to your own experiences, reinforcing your understanding of the term.