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Inhabited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inhabited

[ɪnˈhæbɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inhabited by humans

Having inhabitants; occupied or lived in by people.

Synonyms

occupied, peopled, populated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inhabited

Used to describe a place where people or animals live. Typically neutral and can be used for both urban and rural settings.

  • The island was inhabited by a small tribe
occupied

Often used to describe a place where someone is currently staying, has taken control of, or lives temporarily. Can have a negative connotation in contexts like military occupation.

  • The apartment was occupied by a young couple
  • The enemy troops occupied the town
populated

Commonly used when referring to the density or number of people living in a particular area. Neutral tone, suitable for both statistical and casual conversation.

  • The city is densely populated
  • This area is sparsely populated
peopled

Usually utilized in a literary sense to describe a place that has many inhabitants. It can give a sense of a bustling or well-populated area.

  • The village was peopled by friendly, welcoming locals

Examples of usage

  • The island is inhabited by a small fishing community.
  • The city is densely inhabited by people from various cultural backgrounds.
Context #2 | Verb

inhabited by animals

To live in or occupy a place as a resident or as an animal or plant species.

Synonyms

dwelt, occupied, populated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inhabited

Use this when talking about a location where people or animals live, usually focusing on the fact that it is not abandoned.

  • The island was inhabited by a small community of fishermen
  • The house has been inhabited for hundreds of years
occupied

This can refer to places where people live or stay, but it often has a military or temporary connotation. It can also imply control over a place.

  • The building was occupied by protesters
  • The city was occupied by foreign troops
populated

This word highlights the presence of people or animals in a specific area and is often used in a more general or statistical way.

  • The area is heavily populated with endangered species
  • The city is one of the most densely populated places in the country
dwelt

This word has an archaic or literary feel and is often used in historical or formal texts. It talks about where someone lived in the past.

  • They dwelt in the mountains for many centuries
  • In ancient times, many tribes dwelt in this region

Examples of usage

  • The forest is inhabited by a diverse range of wildlife.
  • This region is inhabited by many different bird species.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the concept of being inhabited ties closely to community and social practices.
  • Indigenous peoples often view their lands as inhabited not just by humans, but by spirits and ancestors, illustrating a deep connection to the environment.
  • In urban sociology, inhabited spaces reflect cultural diversity and social dynamics within a community.

Science

  • Habitability studies look for planets with conditions suitable for life, making 'inhabited' a key term in astrobiology.
  • Microbial life in extreme environments, such as deep-sea vents, showcases that even unwelcoming places can be inhabited.
  • Ecologists study inhabited ecosystems to understand biodiversity and the interactions among species.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore the theme of inhabited spaces as a reflection of societal issues, such as isolation and community.
  • In classic literature, settings often play a crucial role in character development and narrative arcs, showing how inhabited places shape stories.
  • Poets use the idea of inhabited spaces to evoke emotions about belonging and identity.

Psychology

  • The psychology of space focuses on how inhabited environments affect mental well-being and behavior.
  • Research suggests that places we inhabit, including our homes, can influence our mood and productivity.
  • The concept of 'place attachment' studies how emotional bonds to inhabited locations can impact personal identity.

Origin of 'inhabited'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'inhabited' comes from Latin 'inhabitar', which means 'to live in'.
  • It has roots in the prefix 'in-' meaning 'inside' and 'habitare', which means 'to dwell'.
  • The term has been used since the late 14th century in English literature.

The word 'inhabited' comes from the Latin word 'inhabitare', which means 'to dwell in'. The concept of inhabiting a place has been vital throughout human history as civilizations have established communities and settlements. The idea of inhabiting not only pertains to humans but also to animals and plants, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings in the ecosystem.

See also: inhabitant, inhabitants, uninhabited.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,769 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.