Domicile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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domicile

[ˈdɒmɪsaɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

The place where a person resides permanently or temporarily.

Synonyms

abode, dwelling, home, residence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
domicile

Often used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a person's permanent home.

  • The court requires proof of domicile to establish residency.
  • He had to update his legal domicile after moving to a new city.
residence

Often used in formal contexts to refer to the place where someone lives, sometimes implying a large or grand place.

  • The governor's official residence is in the capital.
  • He bought a new residence in the suburbs.
abode

A somewhat old-fashioned or poetic term for a place where someone lives.

  • Welcome to our humble abode.
  • They found an enchanting abode in the countryside.
home

Commonly used to refer to a place where one lives, with emotional or personal connections.

  • There's no place like home.
  • She felt at home the moment she walked in.
dwelling

A general term for any living space, often used when referring to the structure itself.

  • The city has a variety of modern and historic dwellings.
  • Inspectors checked the safety of each dwelling in the neighborhood.

Examples of usage

  • He declared his domicile in the state of Florida.
  • The company's domicile is in New York.
  • Her domicile is a small apartment in the city.
Context #2 | Verb

legal term

To establish a place of residence.

Synonyms

locate, reside, settle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
domicile

Primarily used in legal contexts or formal writing when referring to someone's permanent home or country of residence.

  • The paperwork must state your legal domicile.
  • He changed his domicile after moving to another state.
reside

Used in formal or written contexts to indicate living in a specific place. It often suggests a long-term situation.

  • They reside in a quiet suburb.
  • She has resided in this city for over a decade.
settle

Conveys the idea of making a permanent home in a new place, often after a period of traveling or searching.

  • They decided to settle down in the countryside.
  • After many years of traveling, he finally settled in Paris.
locate

Used to point out where something is situated. It is not typically used to describe where a person lives.

  • The coffee shop is located on Main Street.
  • Our office is conveniently located near the train station.

Examples of usage

  • He domiciled himself in a cozy cottage in the countryside.
  • She domiciled her business in the heart of the city.

Translations

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

Origin of 'domicile'

The word 'domicile' originated from the Latin word 'domicilium', which means 'home' or 'residence'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century and has since been used primarily in legal contexts to refer to a person's permanent or temporary residence. The concept of domicile is important in determining legal jurisdiction, taxation, and other legal matters.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,883, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.