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Apartment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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apartment

[ษ™หˆpษ‘หrtmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

living space

A set of rooms for living in, typically on one floor of a building.

Synonyms

condo, flat, unit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
apartment

Commonly used in American English to refer to a set of rooms forming an individual residence, typically on one floor and within a larger building.

  • They just moved into a new apartment in the city.
  • Her apartment has a beautiful view of the park.
flat

Commonly used in British English to refer to a set of rooms forming an individual residence within a larger building, similar to 'apartment' in American English.

  • He lives in a flat in central London.
  • Their flat is on the third floor.
unit

Typically used in regions like Australia and New Zealand to refer to an apartment or flat within a larger complex. Also used in real estate contexts to refer to any individual accommodation.

  • They're renting a unit in a new development.
  • The unit has two bedrooms and a spacious living area.
condo

Refers to a condominium, a type of residential property where individuals own their apartments and share ownership of common areas. Best used in North American contexts.

  • She bought a condo near the beach.
  • The condo comes with access to a pool and gym.

Examples of usage

  • The apartment had a beautiful view of the city skyline.
  • She lives in a small apartment in the downtown area.
Context #2 | Noun

rental property

A suite of rooms forming one residence, typically in a building containing a number of these.

Synonyms

digs, lease, rental.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
apartment

Used to describe a self-contained housing unit within a larger building. Commonly used in formal or neutral contexts when discussing housing.

  • She just moved into a new apartment downtown.
  • The apartment has two bedrooms and a nice view of the river.
rental

Describes a property available for rent. Often used in contexts discussing the rental market or when specifying that a property is not for sale.

  • They are looking for a rental in the city center.
  • The rental prices have gone up this year.
lease

Refers to the contract or agreement for renting an apartment or property. Commonly used in legal or business contexts.

  • She signed a one-year lease for her new apartment.
  • The lease terms are very strict about pets.
digs

Informal and often used by students or young people to describe temporary or less formal living arrangements. Can sometimes have a slightly casual or even negative connotation.

  • I've found some digs near the university.
  • His digs are pretty basic, but they're cheap.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to rent out her apartment while she traveled.
  • The apartment was fully furnished and ready for move-in.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • The design of apartments often varies by region; for example, studios are popular in cities while larger family units are common in suburbs.
  • High-rise apartments emerged in the late 19th century as urban populations grew, optimizing space in crowded cities.
  • Some apartments are designed with open floor plans to maximize space and make them feel larger.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, apartments symbolize a modern lifestyle, allowing people to live close to work and urban amenities.
  • In New York City, the term 'apartment' can evoke images of cozy spaces filled with character, despite the small size.
  • Living in an apartment often fosters community, as residents share common areas and experiences.

Historical Trends

  • In the post-World War II era, there was a significant rise in apartment construction as returning soldiers needed housing.
  • Economic changes in the 1970s led to an increase in luxury apartments, catering to affluent urban dwellers.
  • In recent years, tiny apartments have gained popularity, reflecting minimalism and the desire for sustainable living.

Psychology

  • Research shows that living in an apartment can lead to higher levels of social interaction due to close proximity to neighbors.
  • The organization of an apartment can greatly affect moods; a cluttered space may increase stress, while a clean apartment can enhance well-being.
  • Apartment living often influences lifestyle choices, such as commuting patterns, social activities, and accessibility to urban resources.

Origin of 'apartment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'appartement,' meaning 'a separate room or set of rooms.'
  • Originally, it referred to 'apart' meaning 'separate,' highlighting its nature as a distinct living space.
  • In the 17th century, it started to represent multiple rooms as part of a home rather than just a single area.

The word 'apartment' originates from the Italian word 'appartimento' meaning 'a separated place'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Initially, it referred to a suite of rooms forming one residence. Over time, the meaning expanded to include a set of rooms for living in, typically in a building.

See also: apartheid, apartments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,695, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.