Meaning of "Set in their ways"

[Goran]

Dear teacher,
Please help me explain " the ways" in the following sentence:

"Many old people don't like change. They are very set in their ways."

Thanks a lot.

Goran

[Alan]

Hi,

Set in their ways means they always do things in the same way - in their ways means the way they behave/act.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Book Expressions

[Mister Micawber]

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From the American Heritage Dictionary:

WAY:
7. A usual or habitual manner or mode of being, living, or acting: 'the American way of life'. 8. An individual or personal manner of behaving, acting, or doing: 'Have it your own way'.
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Alan]

Hi guest,

You might be interested to know that set has the idea of being fixed in the sense of not moving. If you break a bone in your body, it can be set/put in a certain position so that it can mend (get better).

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Phrasal Verbs/bring

[Guest]

Thank you teachers for your kind help. It's very helpful to me . Thanks a lot.