Apartments: meaning, definitions and examples

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apartments

[əˈpɑːrtmənts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

rental housing

A set of rooms for living in, usually on one floor of a building. Apartments are usually rented rather than owned.

Synonyms

condo, flat, unit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
apartments	Plural of 'apartment,' referring to more than one housing unit of this kind. The new building down the street has over 100 apartments. They are looking to rent apartments in different parts of the city.
flat	Commonly used in British English and other varieties outside North America to describe a self-contained housing unit that occupies part of a building. She rented a flat in London for the summer. His new flat is just a short walk from his workplace.
unit	A more generic term, often used in Australia and New Zealand, to describe any self-contained housing space within a larger building or complex. They live in a small unit near the city center. We are looking to buy a unit in this neighborhood.
condo	Short for 'condominium,' often used in the United States and Canada to refer to a privately owned unit within a building that has shared amenities. They bought a condo by the beach. The condo includes access to a swimming pool and gym.

Examples of usage

The apartment has a spacious living room and two bedrooms.
She lives in a small apartment in the city.
I am looking for a new apartment to rent.
They are renovating the apartment next door.
We have a view of the city from our apartment.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

building layout

A self-contained housing unit that occupies only part of a building. Apartments can vary in size and layout.

Synonyms

accommodation, dwelling, residence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
apartments	Use this word when talking about individual living units within a larger building, typically in urban areas. Ideal for housing situations where multiple families or individuals live in separate units. She moved to a new apartment in the city center. They are looking to lease an apartment close to their workplace.
accommodation	This term is broader and can refer to any place where people stay temporarily or semi-permanently, including hotels, hostels, or rented rooms. It is also used to describe living arrangements when traveling or studying. The university provides accommodation for all its students. Finding suitable accommodation during the holiday season can be challenging.

Word

Description / Examples

apartments

Use this word when talking about individual living units within a larger building, typically in urban areas. Ideal for housing situations where multiple families or individuals live in separate units.

She moved to a new apartment in the city center.
They are looking to lease an apartment close to their workplace.

accommodation

This term is broader and can refer to any place where people stay temporarily or semi-permanently, including hotels, hostels, or rented rooms. It is also used to describe living arrangements when traveling or studying.

The university provides accommodation for all its students.
Finding suitable accommodation during the holiday season can be challenging.

Examples of usage

The building has several apartments on each floor.
Our apartment is on the top floor of the building.
She has a cozy apartment with a balcony.
They are converting the building into luxury apartments.
The apartments in this complex have modern amenities.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The concept of multi-family living started in ancient Rome, where insulae provided housing for many families.
The word 'apartment' originates from the French word 'appartement', meaning a part of a building.
In the 19th century, apartments began to be built in cities to address overcrowding as urban populations grew.

Architecture

Modern apartment designs often include open floor plans to maximize space and light.
High-rise apartments are common in urban areas, utilizing vertical space for housing.
Sustainable apartment buildings now incorporate green technology, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting.

Social Trends

Living in an apartment is increasingly popular among young professionals due to lower maintenance and costs.
Co-living spaces, where individuals rent private rooms and share common areas, have emerged as a modern living trend.
Apartments often foster community interaction and events among residents, enhancing social ties.

Cultural Impact

Apartments have been featured in countless movies and TV shows, often reflecting urban lifestyles and relationships.
In many cultures, apartment living symbolizes independence, especially among young adults moving out on their own.
The design and layout of apartments can influence social behavior, encouraging neighbors to interact more or remain private.

Economic Factors

The real estate market often fluctuates based on demand for apartments, influenced by economic conditions.
Renting apartments can be a more affordable living option compared to buying a house, particularly in metropolitan areas.
In global cities, the rise of luxury apartments has created a dichotomy between high-end living and affordable housing shortages.

Translations

Translations of the word "apartments" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apartamentos

🇮🇳 अपार्टमेंट

🇩🇪 Wohnungen

🇮🇩 apartemen

🇺🇦 квартири

🇵🇱 mieszkania

🇯🇵 アパート

🇫🇷 appartements

🇪🇸 apartamentos

🇹🇷 daireler

🇰🇷 아파트

🇸🇦 شقق

🇨🇿 byty

🇸🇰 byty

🇨🇳 公寓

🇸🇮 stanovanja

🇮🇸 íbúðir

🇰🇿 пәтерлер

🇬🇪 ბინები

🇦🇿 mənzillər

🇲🇽 departamentos

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,724 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7721 predominant
7722 postwar
7723 tray
7724 apartments
7725 pouring
7726 bidding
7727 praised
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