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Residential Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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residential

[rɪˈzɪdənʃəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

real estate

Suitable or intended for people to live in. Relating to an area where people live rather than work or holiday.

Synonyms

domestic, household, inhabited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
residential

Use this word when talking about an area where people live, usually in towns or cities. It often refers to neighborhoods or districts that consist primarily of homes rather than businesses or factories.

  • They just moved into a new residential area.
  • The city is planning to develop more residential zones.
domestic

This word is best used when referring to something related to the home or family life. It can also imply activities within a household or nation. Unlike 'residential,' which refers to locations, 'domestic' is more about activities or attributes.

  • She specializes in domestic law.
  • Their disputes were of a domestic nature.
inhabited

This word describes a place where people (or animals) live. It has a broader application and can be used for areas ranging from small settlements to large regions. The word often brings attention to the presence of life.

  • The island was scarcely inhabited.
  • Forests in this region are densely inhabited by wildlife.
household

Use this word when referring to the people who live together in a home and their collective routines, tasks, or items. It encompasses the family unit and their day-to-day operations.

  • The household chores are divided among all family members.
  • This gadget is a must-have in every household.

Examples of usage

  • The neighborhood is predominantly residential, with many single-family homes.
  • The city council is planning to build more residential areas to accommodate the growing population.
Context #2 | Noun

real estate

A building used as a place of residence.

Synonyms

dwelling, home, house.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
residential

Used when referring to areas or zones primarily made up of places where people live, rather than businesses or industrial buildings.

  • The city council decided to build a new park in the residential neighborhood.
  • Many residential areas have strict noise regulations.
dwelling

A more formal term for a place where someone lives, often used in legal or official documents.

  • The fire department inspected the dwelling after the complaint.
  • They found shelter in a temporary dwelling.
house

A more neutral term for a building where people live, typically used in day-to-day conversation.

  • They are looking to buy a new house.
  • The house at the end of the street is for sale.
home

A personal and emotional term for where someone lives, making it feel special or comforting.

  • I can't wait to go home after a long day.
  • Home is where the heart is.

Examples of usage

  • The apartment complex consists of several residential buildings.
  • The real estate agent showed us various residential options in the city.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Residential buildings can range from single-family homes to large apartment complexes.
  • In architectural design, the layout of residential spaces affects how families interact and utilize the space.

Urban Development

  • The rise of suburbs in the mid-20th century fundamentally changed the concept of 'residential' by encouraging family homes outside cities.
  • Zoning laws often dictate what areas can be developed as residential, ensuring that neighborhoods maintain a specific character.

Sociology

  • Residential areas often reflect social dynamics, including class differences and community interactions.
  • Neighborhoods labeled 'residential' might have stronger social ties among residents, promoting a sense of belonging.

Environmental Impact

  • Residential development can significantly impact local ecosystems, leading to discussions about sustainability in urban planning.
  • Green building practices in residential areas aim to minimize environmental footprints and create healthier living spaces.

Origin of 'residential'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'residere', meaning 'to sit back' or 'to dwell'.
  • The term began gaining use in the late 19th century as more people moved into urban living spaces.

The word 'residential' has its roots in the Latin word 'residentialis', which means 'belonging to a residence'. The term became popular in the real estate industry to describe properties or areas intended for living. Over time, 'residential' has evolved to encompass various types of housing and living spaces, reflecting the changing needs and preferences of people seeking a place to call home.

See also: resided, residence, residency, resident, residents, residual.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #4,000, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.