hardwired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hardwired" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is inherently or permanently fixed, often in relation to behavior or characteristics. Example: "His fear of heights seems to be hardwired into his psyche." Alternative expressions include "innately programmed" and "fundamentally ingrained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are creatures of habit, particularly when it comes to the bad ones, and struggle to adjust when called upon to expand beyond behavioural settings hardwired in our youth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I married in Australia, became the mother of two girls and stepmum to two boys – all of them patriotic Aussies – and work for Australian newspapers in a profession I am, luckily, hardwired to love more every day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlike an ordinary chip, an FPGA's architecture is not "hardwired".

The Economist

The chatter and cackle of Bushmen, and what it says about usHAS evolution hardwired our brains to be entertained by stories at night?

The Economist

The bird in the hand was worth even more when bushes were dangerous.Are humans, then, hardwired to cling on to their possessions?

The Economist

Intellon has logged some $40m in orders for its PowerPacket chipsets from companies planning to launch powerline networking devices during the coming year.Each NeverWire 14 node also includes a 56-bit encryption mechanism hardwired into the device, making the network secure from outside tampering.

The Economist

At some stage, all home-networking devices must be hardwired into a landline that connects to the Internet.

The Economist

Before this, networks were hardwired together, much like the telephone system in which individuals are connected by specific dedicated circuits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sensory experience was once thought of as a process performed by a specific part of the brain hardwired to carry out that function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This propensity, he says, is "hardwired" in our genes from our distant past as hunter-gatherers on the African savannahs.

Independent

Fears are hardwired into the brain in one of three ways: by observing and learning the fears of others as a child; from a traumatic experience, like being attacked by a dog; or by a process known as anchoring, where a person has a fright and the brain links a nearby object to the feeling of fear.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing behavioral tendencies, use "hardwired" to emphasize that these behaviors are deeply ingrained and difficult to change. For example, "Humans are hardwired to seek patterns."

Common error

Avoid using "hardwired" to describe behaviors or preferences that are easily influenced by environment or learning. "Hardwired" implies a deeply ingrained, almost unchangeable trait. Using it loosely weakens the term's impact.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "hardwired" primarily functions to describe something that is inherently built-in, fixed, or genetically determined. Ludwig examples show it describing both physical systems and behavioral traits, illustrating its versatility. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hardwired" is a versatile adjective used to describe something as inherently built-in or genetically determined. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage, with examples spanning news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. While consistently conveying a sense of permanence, its formality varies depending on the context. For semantically related alternatives, consider phrases like "inherently ingrained" or "genetically determined". When using "hardwired", ensure it accurately reflects the fixed nature of the described trait, avoiding overuse for easily changeable behaviors. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively leverage "hardwired" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherently ingrained

Focuses on the inherent and deeply rooted nature of something, similar to being "hardwired".

genetically determined

Highlights the genetic basis of a trait or behavior, akin to being "hardwired" biologically.

firmly established

Emphasizes the stability and fixed nature of something, resembling a "hardwired" system.

deep-seated

Indicates a deeply ingrained or fundamental aspect, similar to something being "hardwired" into one's nature.

built-in

Suggests that something is an integral part of a system or entity, like a "hardwired" component.

pre-programmed

Implies a pre-set or predetermined behavior or function, analogous to something being "hardwired".

unalterable

Stresses the immutable nature of something, like a "hardwired" setting.

fixed

Highlights that something is not subject to change, similar to a "hardwired" configuration.

instinctive

Indicates behavior that is natural and unlearned, much like something "hardwired" into one's instincts.

intrinsic

Emphasizes that something is an essential or natural part of a thing, similar to being "hardwired".

FAQs

How can I use "hardwired" in a sentence?

You can use "hardwired" to describe inherent traits or behaviors. For example, "Our brains are hardwired to recognize faces", or "The security system has several hardwired fail-safes".

What does it mean when people say something is "hardwired"?

When something is described as "hardwired", it means it's inherently built-in, like a pre-programmed or instinctive behavior. It implies that the trait or function is deeply rooted and difficult to alter.

What are some alternatives to using "hardwired" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "inherently ingrained", "genetically determined", or "firmly established". Each carries slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "hardwired" in formal writing?

Yes, "hardwired" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly in scientific or technical contexts. However, consider the specific connotation. In more general formal contexts, "deep-seated" or "built-in" might be more appropriate depending on the meaning you want to convey.