Dwell: meaning, definitions and examples

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dwell

[dwel ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a house

To dwell means to live in a particular place. It is often used to describe where someone lives or resides.

Synonyms

inhabit, live, reside.

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. In the countryside where they dwell, nature thrives abundantly. He tends to dwell on past mistakes.
live	This is the most common and general word used for someone’s address or place of residence. I live in London. They live in a small apartment.
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. He resides at 123 Elm Street. The ambassador resides in the capital city.
inhabit	Typically used in a more scientific or formal context, often referring to animals or people living in a particular area. Many rare species inhabit this remote island. The ruins are now inhabited by small rodents.

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.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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

fixate, obsess, ponder.

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. He tends to dwell on his past mistakes. They chose to dwell in a small village by the lake.
fixate	Typically suggests an unhealthy or excessive attention to something. Often used in psychological contexts. She tends to fixate on minor details. He is fixated on the idea of becoming famous.
obsess	Used when someone can't stop thinking about something, often to a troublesome degree. It usually has a negative connotation. He begins to obsess over his appearance. She is obsessed with cleanliness.
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. He pondered over the decision he had to make. She spent the evening pondering the mysteries of the universe.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "dwell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 morar

residir
habitar

🇮🇳 निवास करना

🇩🇪 wohnen

verweilen
hausen

🇮🇩 tinggal

🇺🇦 мешкати

проживати
затримуватися

🇵🇱 mieszkać

🇯🇵 住む (sumu)

🇫🇷 habiter

🇪🇸 habitar

🇹🇷 ikamet etmek

🇰🇷 거주하다 (geojuhada)

🇸🇦 يعيش (ya'aysh)

🇨🇿 bydlet

🇸🇰 bývať

🇨🇳 居住 (jūzhù)

🇸🇮 prebivati

🇮🇸 búa

🇰🇿 тұру

🇬🇪 ცხოვრება (tskhoveba)

🇦🇿 yaşamaq

🇲🇽 habitar

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,306 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6303 resemble
6304 thumb
6305 feast
6306 dwell
6307 weary
6308 commence
6309 patch
...