Dwell Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🏡
dwell
[dwel ]
Definitions
in a house
To dwell means to live in a particular place. It is often used to describe where someone lives or resides.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dwell |
This word is often used in a more poetic or formal sense and can imply living in a particular place in a detailed or reflective manner.
|
| live |
This is the most common and general word used for someone’s address or place of residence.
|
| reside |
Used in formal contexts, often when discussing legal or official matters, or when referring to people living in a specific place for a certain period of time.
|
| inhabit |
Typically used in a more scientific or formal context, often referring to animals or people living in a particular area.
|
Examples of usage
- He dwells in a small cottage by the lake.
- They dwell in a bustling city apartment.
- We dwell in a cozy house in the suburbs.
on a thought or feeling
To dwell can also mean to think or talk a lot about something, especially something negative. It implies remaining focused on a particular subject or feeling for an extended period of time.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dwell |
Usually used when talking about living somewhere or thinking about something for a long time. It often suggests paying too much attention to something negative.
|
| fixate |
Typically suggests an unhealthy or excessive attention to something. Often used in psychological contexts.
|
| obsess |
Used when someone can't stop thinking about something, often to a troublesome degree. It usually has a negative connotation.
|
| ponder |
Conveys thoughtful consideration of an idea or issue. It doesn't carry a negative connotation and suggests a more balanced and careful thinking process.
|
Examples of usage
- Don't dwell on your mistakes, learn from them and move on.
- She dwells on the past too much, she needs to focus on the present.
- He tends to dwell on his anxieties, which only makes them worse.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many poets and authors use 'dwell' to express themes of nostalgia, reflecting on past memories.
- In Shakespeare’s works, this word often appears to describe characters lost in thought or emotion, enhancing their depth.
- The concept of dwelling can also signify a character's connection to a place, indicating how home shapes their identity.
Psychology
- Dwelling on negative thoughts can impact mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.
- Conversely, dwelling on positive experiences can boost mood and resilience.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy often aims to help individuals avoid dwelling on unhelpful thoughts.
Pop Culture
- 'Dwell' is a common theme in music, often referring to love, loss, or reflections of the past, resonating with listeners.
- In various movies, characters are portrayed as dwelling on their past mistakes, which drives their personal arcs.
- The concept of dwelling is explored in modern art, where artists express how spaces can evoke memories and emotions.
Philosophy
- Philosophers discuss the idea of 'dwelling' in relation to being present and mindful, emphasizing the importance of awareness.
- Heidegger, a prominent philosopher, argued that to dwell means to be truly at home in the world, finding meaning in one's surroundings.
- Existentialist thinkers often encourage individuals to dwell on their existence to confront life’s inherent uncertainties.
Origin of 'dwell'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'dwellan,' meaning to lead away or to hinder.
- It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word '*dwel-,' which also means to delay or to make weak.
- Over time, its meaning shifted to focus more on residing in a place or being absorbed in thought.
The word 'dwell' originated from the Old English word 'dwellan', which means 'to lead astray, hinder, delay, linger'. Over time, its meaning evolved to signify 'to reside, live'. The usage of 'dwell' has been traced back to the 13th century, where it was commonly used in the context of living in a particular place. It has since become a versatile word with both literal and metaphorical applications.