hostel - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hostel Word Meanings
- a budget accommodation for travelers
- a place providing shared rooms and facilities
- often a youth-oriented lodging option
hostel Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hostel Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈhɒstəl/
US
/ˈhɑːstəl/
hostel Word Etymology
(a) host + el; (b) from Latin 'hospitium' meaning 'a welcoming place' through Old French 'hostel'; (c) Picture a cozy little house at the end of a traveler’s journey where friendships bloom over shared meals.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
A hostel is a budget lodging for travelers, usually offering basic rooms and shared facilities. Most hostels provide dormitory beds in a dorm or private rooms, plus common areas such as kitchens, lounges, and sometimes bars. They encourage social interaction, with organized events or free Wi-Fi and self-service laundry. Hostels are often located in city centers or near transit hubs, making them affordable bases for backpackers exploring new places. The term comes from a sense of a welcoming, communal place for travelers, not a luxury stay. People choose hostels to save money and meet fellow travelers with similar itineraries.
Usage Reminders
- Use hostel for budget lodging; not a luxury hotel.
- Often you can book a dorm or a private room.
- Expect shared kitchens, lounges, and social spaces.
- ‘Youth hostel’ emphasizes the traveler’s age or vibe, not a strict rule.
- Plural: hostels; verb form: stay in a hostel.
Common Misconceptions
- A hostel is only for young backpackers.
- Hostels are always dirty or unsafe.
- A hostel cannot have private rooms.
- All hostels are in rough neighborhoods.
- Hostel stays are always uncomfortable.
Thinking Differences
Hostels foreground social, budget-conscious travel in English-speaking contexts; learners often assume dorms are uncomfortable or unsafe and that hostels lack privacy, which leads to overemphasis on hotels or private rooms when traveling on a budget.
Learning Tips
- Practice with phrases like 'stay in a hostel' vs 'stay at a hotel'.
- Remember dorm vs private room in context of price and privacy.
- Compare 'youth hostel' vs 'hostel' to convey vibe or age focus.
- Use collocations: 'book a bed', 'shared kitchen', 'common area'.
- Ask about breakfast and laundry when booking.
- Plot the price difference by city to understand value.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'hostel'?
A.A place providing lodging for travelers at a low cost
B.A type of restaurant serving local cuisine
C.A luxury hotel for affluent clientele
D.A park for recreational activities
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'hostel' correctly?
A.I enjoyed my stay at the hostel during my trip abroad.
B.He went to the hostel to buy groceries.
C.The hostel was known for its fine dining experience.
D.She watched a movie in the hostel.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'hostel'?
A.Inn
B.Palace
C.Cottage
D.Mansion
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hostel'?
A.Cheap motel
B.Luxury hotel
C.Cabin
D.Lodge
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context in which someone might choose to stay somewhere inexpensive while traveling?
A.He decided to stay in a budget place where he could meet other travelers.
B.She booked a room in a high-end resort for her vacation.
C.They preferred a private villa for their getaway.
D.Travelers often look for upscale accommodations for their trips.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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