Inmate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inmate
[ˈɪnˌmeɪt ]
Definition
prison
A person confined in an institution such as a prison or hospital.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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inmate |
Inmate is commonly used to refer to someone residing in a prison or jail but can also refer to residents of other institutional settings, such as a mental health facility. The term is neutral and does not imply guilt or innocence.
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prisoner |
Prisoner is a common term for someone who is confined in a prison, regardless of their legal status or the nature of their confinement. It can be used in both neutral and negative contexts.
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convict |
Convict specifically refers to someone who has been found guilty of a crime and is serving a sentence. This term has a more negative connotation as it denotes a confirmed criminal status.
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detainee |
Detainee is typically used to describe a person held in custody, often without formal charges, such as those in immigration detention centers or under other forms of administrative detention. It is neutral in tone and does not imply guilt.
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Examples of usage
- He was visited by his family while he was an inmate at the correctional facility.
- The inmates were provided with basic necessities such as food and shelter.
- The inmate requested to speak with the prison warden regarding his case.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'inmate'
The word 'inmate' originated from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'in' or 'inside' and the word 'mate' meaning 'companion' or 'fellow'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century in the context of someone who is confined within a particular institution, such as a prison or hospital.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #10,324, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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- 10321 seams
- 10322 suitability
- 10323 aiding
- 10324 inmate
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- 10326 preponderance
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