Flatmate: meaning, definitions and examples
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flatmate
[ ˈflætmeɪt ]
roommate, cohabitant
A flatmate is a person who shares a flat or apartment with one or more other people. This individual typically contributes to the rent and utilities and may share living spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. Flatmates can be friends, acquaintances, or strangers who live together to split costs and share responsibilities.
Synonyms
cabinmate, housemate, roommate
Examples of usage
- I moved in with my flatmate to save on rent.
- It's important to communicate well with your flatmate.
- My flatmate loves to cook.
- Finding a compatible flatmate can make living together enjoyable.
Translations
Translations of the word "flatmate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 colega de quarto
🇮🇳 साथी
🇩🇪 Mitbewohner
🇮🇩 teman serumah
🇺🇦 сусід по кімнаті
🇵🇱 współlokator
🇯🇵 ルームメイト
🇫🇷 colocataire
🇪🇸 compañero de cuarto
🇹🇷 oda arkadaşı
🇰🇷 룸메이트
🇸🇦 رفيق الغرفة
🇨🇿 spolubydlící
🇸🇰 spolubývajúci
🇨🇳 室友
🇸🇮 sobe
🇮🇸 samfélag
🇰🇿 бөлмедегі дос
🇬🇪 ბინადარი
🇦🇿 otaq yoldaşı
🇲🇽 compañero de cuarto
Word origin
The term 'flatmate' originated in British English, combining the word 'flat', which is used to describe an apartment, with 'mate', a colloquial term for a friend or companion. The use of 'flat' in this context can be traced back to the mid-20th century, reflecting the growing trend of shared living arrangements among young professionals and students in urban settings. As the concept of cohabitation gained popularity, especially in cities where housing costs continued to rise, the need for individuals to share living spaces became more prominent. Flatmates often develop a unique form of social interaction, balancing friendship with the necessity of maintaining a harmonious living environment. This term has been widely adopted in numerous English-speaking countries, particularly in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.