Inhabit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inhabit

[ษชnหˆhรฆbษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

living in a place

To inhabit means to live in or occupy a place. It refers to the act of residing in a particular area or dwelling.

Synonyms

dwell, occupy, reside.

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Word Description / Examples
inhabit

Used mostly in formal or scientific contexts to describe living in a particular place or environment.

  • Penguins inhabit the coastal regions of Antarctica
  • This forest is inhabited by various wild animals
dwell

Habitual place of living, often used in literature or historical texts.

  • The king dwells in a majestic castle
  • They dwell in a quiet village away from the city
reside

Formal and commonly used to denote living in a specific place, often for legal or official matters.

  • She resides in New York City
  • To get a library card, you must reside within the city limits
occupy

Indicates taking up space or being present in a place. Can have neutral or negative connotations depending on usage.

  • Rebels occupied the building for several weeks
  • The office space is currently occupied by a tech company

Examples of usage

  • He chose to inhabit a small cabin in the woods.
  • The indigenous people have inhabited this land for centuries.
Context #2 | Noun

living species in an area

In ecology, an inhabit refers to all the living species that occupy a particular ecosystem or geographical area.

Synonyms

inhabitant, occupant, resident.

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Word Description / Examples
inhabit

Used to describe living in a place, often by animals, plants, or people in literature or formal contexts.

  • Birds inhabit the forest
  • Strange creatures were said to inhabit the old castle
resident

Describes a person who lives in a particular place, implying some degree of permanence. Common in everyday language when referring to people living in a neighborhood, city, or country.

  • The residents of the building were evacuated during the fire
  • She's a long-term resident of this community
occupant

Usually refers to someone who currently occupies or uses a space, such as a house, room, or vehicle. Often used in a legal or formal context.

  • The current occupants of the apartment have signed a one-year lease
  • There were no other occupants in the car
inhabitant

Refers to a person or animal that lives in a particular place, often used in formal contexts or when describing communities.

  • The city has millions of inhabitants
  • Inhabitants of the village have lived there for generations

Examples of usage

  • The diversity of the forest inhabit is essential for maintaining the ecosystem.
  • The marine inhabitants of the coral reef are facing threats from climate change.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Ecology

  • Different species inhabit various environments, from deep oceans to high mountains.
  • Inhabitants can adapt to their surroundings, developing unique features to survive.

Cultural Practices

  • Indigenous peoples actively inhabit their ancestral lands, maintaining their cultural traditions.
  • Urban areas are inhabited by diverse populations, influencing art, food, and music.

Literature

  • Many authors use the theme of inhabitation to explore identity and belonging in their works.
  • Inhabiting a characterโ€™s life can help readers understand different perspectives.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'habitat' relates to how our environment affects our wellbeing and behavior.
  • Feeling at home in a space can enhance mental health, as it provides comfort and security.

Origin of 'inhabit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'inhabitare', meaning 'to dwell in'.
  • It consists of 'in-' (meaning 'in') and 'habitare' (meaning 'to have a home').

The word 'inhabit' originated in Middle English from the Latin word 'inhabitare', which means 'to dwell in'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of inhabiting a place has been fundamental to human existence throughout history, as individuals and communities establish homes and settlements in various locations.


See also: habitat, habitation, habits, habitual, habitually, habituate.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,256, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.