Household Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
household
[หhaสsหhoสld ]
Definitions
daily life
All the people who live together in one house as a unit. It can also refer to the items and supplies used in a house.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| household |
This word refers to all the people living together in a single home, and can also refer to the home and its activities as a unit.
|
| family |
This word refers to a group of people related by blood or marriage, typically living together.
|
| residence |
This term is more formal and refers to the place where someone lives, especially for a more extended period.
|
| domestic |
This term relates to activities, duties, or products that are connected with home life, and can also refer to something that is not foreign.
|
Examples of usage
- Our household consists of my parents, my sister, and me.
- I need to buy some household cleaning supplies.
economics
A group of consumers who live together and make joint purchasing decisions.
Synonyms
clientele, consumers, customers.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| household |
Used to refer to the people who live together in a single home. This term is often used in discussions about family, living arrangements, or domestic matters.
|
| consumers |
Mostly used in economic or marketing contexts to denote individuals who purchase goods and services for personal use. This term focuses on buying behavior and market trends.
|
| customers |
A general term for people who buy goods or services from a business. Suitable for everyday conversations and a wide range of contexts from retail to services. Unlike โclienteleโ, it doesnโt necessarily imply frequent interactions.
|
| clientele |
Commonly used in professional settings to refer to the group of clients or customers that a business or service provider deals with. This term suggests a relationship built on repeated interactions and often a higher level of service.
|
Examples of usage
- The marketing campaign targets households with higher incomes.
- The survey aims to understand the spending habits of different households.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures celebrate the concept of 'household' through festivals that emphasize family and community ties.
- In some societies, the household serves as the primary economic unit, where all members contribute to its sustenance.
- Literature often portrays the household as a microcosm of society, reflecting the dynamics of relationships.
Sociology
- Sociologists study households to understand social structures, roles, and the impact of family dynamics.
- Household composition can vary widely, from single-person houses to large multi-generational living arrangements.
- Changes in household structures, such as increased single-parent homes, can affect social issues like education and health.
History
- Historically, the structure of households influenced labor and economic systems, especially during the agrarian era.
- The Industrial Revolution shifted household roles, as many members began working outside the home for the first time.
- Traditionally, households were often led by patriarchal figures, reflecting the gender norms of their time.
Modern Context
- Today, many households are redefining roles, with both partners often working to support family needs.
- Digital technology has transformed how households communicate, manage tasks, and stay connected.
- Emerging trends show a rise in non-traditional households, including co-housing and communal living arrangements.
Origin of 'household'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the Old English 'hus' meaning house and 'hold' meaning the people living there.
- In ancient times, a household often included extended family and servants, not just the immediate family.
- The concept has evolved from simply being a physical space to a social unit that represents shared resources.
The word 'household' originated from the Old English word 'hลซshold', which combines 'hลซs' (house) and 'haldan' (to hold). The concept of a household has evolved over time to encompass not only the physical dwelling but also the people living in it and their collective activities.
See also: alehouse, hothouse, house, housekeeper, houseless, houselessness, housework, housing, outhouse, rehousing, taphouse, unhoused.