Habit vs. Routine: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on October 5, 2023
A habit is an automatic behavior triggered by contextual cues, often done unconsciously. A routine is a set sequence of actions deliberately planned and usually followed consciously.
Key Differences
Habit and Routine are both related to repetitive actions, but they differ in intentionality and consciousness. A habit is generally an automatic response to a particular situation or set of stimuli, often done unconsciously. On the other hand, a routine is a series of actions that are performed consciously, often at a specific time or place.
In terms of duration and flexibility, habits are often more enduring and can be more challenging to change. They are ingrained behaviors that don't usually require thought. Routines, in contrast, are more malleable and can be easily altered or adjusted according to one's needs or circumstances.
From a grammatical perspective, both habit and routine can function as nouns, but they are used differently in sentences. While you might say, "It's a habit of mine," you are more likely to say, "It's part of my routine." The word "habit" may also be used more broadly to describe a general disposition or tendency, as in "a habit of punctuality."
Though both concepts are geared toward improving efficiency and predictability in life, habits often focus on smaller, specific behaviors, like biting one's nails or saying "um" during speeches. Routines are generally broader, encompassing a range of activities, such as a morning routine that includes showering, brushing teeth, and making breakfast. Both play significant roles in shaping our daily lives but operate on different scales and levels of awareness.
Comparison Chart
Intentionality
Automatic, often unconscious
Deliberate, usually conscious
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Flexibility
More enduring, hard to change
More malleable, easy to adjust
Grammatical Usage
Commonly used as a noun
Commonly used as a noun
Scale
Specific behaviors
Broader, often multiple activities
Time Sensitivity
Not necessarily time-bound
Often time-specific
Habit and Routine Definitions
Habit
An ingrained behavior performed automatically.
She had the habit of biting her nails.
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Routine
A series of operations in computer programming.
He wrote a routine to sort the data.
Habit
A regular tendency or practice.
His habit of jogging every morning is admirable.
Routine
A sequence of actions regularly followed.
His morning routine sets a positive tone for the day.
Habit
An action done on impulse without conscious thought.
He had a habit of interrupting people.
Routine
A fixed program or schedule.
The team had a rigorous training routine.
Habit
A recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition
Made a habit of going to bed early.
Routine
A habitual or mechanical course of procedure.
Work had become a dull routine for her.
Habit
An established disposition of the mind or character
A pessimistic habit.
Routine
A set of customary or unchanging and often mechanically performed activities or procedures
A routine of housework.
Habit
Customary manner or practice
An early riser by habit.
Routine
The practice of such activities or procedures
"Routine had caused stagnation" (Garry Wills).
Habit
An addiction, especially to a narcotic drug.
Routine
A scripted piece of entertainment, especially in a nightclub or theater
The audience laughed at the comedian's routine.
Habit
Characteristic appearance, form, or manner of growth, especially of a plant or crystal
"The habit of an apple tree is fine for the small garden" (Robert Dash).
Routine
(Slang) A particular kind of behavior or activity
Must you go into your hurt routine when you don't get your way?.
Habit
A distinctive set of clothing or style of dressing, especially of a religious order.
Routine
(Computers) A set of programming instructions designed to perform a specific limited task.
Habit
A riding habit.
Routine
In accord with established procedure
A routine check of passports.
Habit
(Archaic) Physical constitution.
Routine
Habitual; regular
Made his routine trip to the store.
Habit
To clothe; dress.
Routine
Having no special quality; ordinary
A routine day.
Habit
To clothe in a habit, especially a nun's habit.
Routine
A course of action to be followed regularly; a standard procedure.
Habit
An action performed on a regular basis.
It’s become a habit of mine to have a cup of coffee after dinner.
Routine
A set of normal procedures, often performed mechanically.
Connie was completely robotic and emotionless by age 12; her entire life had become one big routine.
Habit
An action performed repeatedly and automatically, usually without awareness.
By force of habit, he dressed for work even though it was holiday.
Routine
A set piece of an entertainer's act.
Stand-up comedy routine
Habit
A long piece of clothing worn by monks and nuns.
It’s interesting how Catholic and Buddhist monks both wear habits.
Routine
(computing) A set of instructions designed to perform a specific task; a subroutine.
Habit
A piece of clothing worn for a specific activity; a uniform.
The new riding habits of the team looked smashing!
Routine
According to established procedure.
Habit
(archaic) Outward appearance; attire; dress.
Routine
Regular; habitual.
Habit
Form of growth or general appearance and structure of a variety or species of plant or crystal.
Routine
Ordinary with nothing to distinguish it from all the others.
Habit
An addiction.
He has a 10-cigar habit.
Kick the habit
Routine
A round of business, amusement, or pleasure, daily or frequently pursued; especially, a course of business or offical duties regularly or frequently returning.
Habit
(transitive) To clothe.
Routine
Any regular course of action or procedure rigidly adhered to by the mere force of habit.
Habit
To inhabit.
Routine
An unvarying or habitual method of procedure
Habit
The usual condition or state of a person or thing, either natural or acquired, regarded as something had, possessed, and firmly retained; as, a religious habit; his habit is morose; elms have a spreading habit; esp., physical temperament or constitution; as, a full habit of body.
Routine
A short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program;
He did his act three times every evening
She had a catchy little routine
It was one of the best numbers he ever did
Habit
The general appearance and manner of life of a living organism.
Routine
A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
Habit
Fixed or established custom; ordinary course of conduct; practice; usage; hence, prominently, the involuntary tendency or aptitude to perform certain actions which is acquired by their frequent repetition; as, habit is second nature; also, peculiar ways of acting; characteristic forms of behavior.
A man of very shy, retired habits.
Routine
Occurring at fixed times or predictable intervals;
Made her routine trip to the store
Habit
Outward appearance; attire; dress; hence, a garment; esp., a closely fitting garment or dress worn by ladies; as, a riding habit.
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy.
There are, among the statues, several of Venus, in different habits.
Routine
Found in the ordinary course of events;
A placid everyday scene
It was a routine day
There's nothing quite like a real...train conductor to add color to a quotidian commute
Habit
The distinctive clothing worn commonly by nuns or monks; as, in the late 1900's many orders of nuns discarded their habits and began to dress as ordinary lay women.
How use doth breed a habit in a man!
He who reigns . . . upheld by old repute,Consent, or custom
Routine
A set pattern or way of doing things.
The daily routine of chores was never-ending.
Habit
To inhabit.
In thilke places as they [birds] habiten.
Habit
To dress; to clothe; to array.
They habited themselves like those rural deities.
Habit
To accustom; to habituate.
Habit
An established custom;
It was their habit to dine at 7 every evening
Habit
A pattern of behavior acquired through frequent repetition;
She had a habit twirling the ends of her hair
Long use had hardened him to it
Habit
(religion) a distinctive attire (as the costume of a religious order)
Habit
Excessive use of drugs
Habit
Put a habit on
Habit
A psychological or physical dependency.
His caffeine habit was getting out of control.
Habit
A customary manner or characteristic.
She had a habit of arriving late.
FAQs
What is a Habit?
A habit is an automatic behavior often performed unconsciously.
How do Habit and Routine differ in intentionality?
Habits are automatic and often unconscious, while routines are deliberate and conscious.
How are the words used grammatically?
Both can function as nouns but are used differently in sentences.
What is a Routine?
A routine is a set sequence of actions deliberately planned and followed consciously.
Can Routines become Habits?
Yes, routines can become ingrained over time and turn into habits.
Do Habits have to be individual actions?
Generally, yes, habits are often individual, specific actions.
Which is more flexible, Habit or Routine?
Routines are generally more flexible and easier to adjust.
Do Habits require willpower?
Habits usually don't require willpower once they are established.
Can you have a Routine without any Habits?
It's possible, especially if the routine is new or frequently changed.
Do Routines require planning?
Generally, yes, routines are often pre-planned.
Is a Habit always bad?
No, habits can be either beneficial or detrimental.
How can I establish a good Routine?
Start small, be consistent, and gradually build upon it.
How can I break a bad Habit?
Identifying triggers and substituting a positive behavior can help.
Can a Routine include multiple Habits?
Yes, a routine can encompass several habits.
Which is more time-sensitive, Habit or Routine?
Routines are often more time-sensitive, usually occurring at specific times.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
