House Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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house
[haʊs ]
Definitions
place to live
A building for human habitation, especially one that is lived in by a family or small group of people. Houses can vary in size and style, from small cottages to large mansions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| house |
Use for general purposes when referring to a building where people live, especially when describing the structure itself.
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| home |
Refers to the place where someone feels they belong or have an emotional connection to, can be a house, apartment, or any other residence.
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| residence |
More formal term, often implying a more permanent or official place of living, sometimes used for larger or grander homes.
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| dwelling |
More formal or old-fashioned term for any place where someone lives, often used in legal or official contexts.
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Examples of usage
- I live in a small house in the suburbs.
- The house has a beautiful garden in the back.
- They decided to buy a house near the beach.
legislature
A legislative body, especially one of two parts in a bicameral system. In some countries, the term 'house' refers to the lower chamber of the legislature.
Synonyms
congress, legislature, parliament.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| house |
Refers to one of the two chambers of a legislative body, like the House of Representatives in the United States.
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| legislature |
A general term for an organized body having the authority to make laws for a political entity such as a country or city.
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| parliament |
The supreme legislative body in many countries, especially in the UK, consisting of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
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| congress |
The national legislative body of a country, specifically used for the United States.
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Examples of usage
- The House of Representatives passed the bill.
- Members of the lower house voted on the new law.
provide accommodation
To provide someone or something with shelter or accommodation. It can also refer to hosting or holding an event or activity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| house |
Use this word when referring to providing a place to live for someone on a more permanent basis, like a building where people reside.
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| accommodate |
This word is used when indicating the act of providing space or facilities to someone, often temporarily. It is often used in contexts like hotels or other short-term stays.
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| shelter |
This word implies providing protection or refuge, often in emergency situations or for those in need. It can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying a temporary or urgent need for safety.
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| host |
This word is commonly used when someone is providing hospitality or services, often used for events, gatherings, or short stays. It has a broader meaning beyond just providing a place to stay.
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Examples of usage
- We can house up to ten guests in our hotel rooms.
- The museum houses a collection of ancient artifacts.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Architecture
- Houses can come in various styles, such as Victorian, modern, and colonial, each telling a story of its time.
- Different cultures have unique designs, like the igloo in Arctic regions or the stilt houses in Southeast Asia.
- Sustainable architecture is gaining popularity, focusing on eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency in houses.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the house is often seen as a symbol of family and stability.
- Rituals associated with moving into a new home can vary widely around the world, often including blessings or celebrations.
- Literature often uses houses as metaphors for emotional states or social structures, like in the classic novel 'The Great Gatsby' where the mansion symbolizes wealth and isolation.
Psychology
- A person's home environment can significantly impact their well-being, influencing mood and behavior.
- Research suggests that a cluttered home can lead to increased stress and difficulty concentrating.
- The concept of 'home' is often tied to feelings of safety and belonging, crucial for mental health.
Pop Culture
- In movies and television, iconic houses, like the one from 'Home Alone', often become as memorable as the characters themselves.
- Reality shows often focus on homes, showcasing renovations and design, reflecting society’s obsession with ideal living spaces.
- Fictional houses in literature, such as the Burrow in 'Harry Potter', create immersive worlds and memorable settings.
Origin of 'house'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'hūs', which means shelter or dwelling.
- In many languages, the term for house has similar roots, showing the universal concept of home.
- Historically, houses were often made from local materials, reflecting the culture and environment of a place.
The word 'house' originated from the Old English word 'hūs', which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic word 'husan'. The concept of a 'house' as a dwelling for humans has been central to human civilization for centuries, evolving from simple structures to complex architectural designs. Houses serve as not just physical shelters, but also as symbols of identity, status, and community.
See also: alehouse, hothouse, household, housekeeper, houseless, houselessness, housework, housing, outhouse, rehousing, taphouse, unhoused.