residence - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
residence Word Meanings
- a place where someone lives
- the act of residing or dwelling
- an official residence for an important person
residence Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
residence Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈrɛzɪdəns/
US
/ˈrɛzɪdəns/
residence Word Etymology
re- = back, side = sit; 'to sit back in a place'. The term evolved from Latin 'residentia' (to stay) through Old French into English. Imagine a cozy home where you feel comfortable sitting back and relaxing.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I push open the door and step inside, the light waiting for my footsteps. I move from room to room, turning on a lamp and feeling the space shift under my gaze. I adjust the furniture and set a few things where they belong, holding the moment in my hands. This quiet choosing makes residence feel real, a place I can call home.
Real Context
Residence is a formal noun for the place where a person lives, or the act of residing. It covers homes, apartments, and other dwellings, and is often used in legal, administrative, or formal writing. People may swap it with home or dwelling in casual speech, which can sound stiff. Learn common phrases like permanent residence, residence permit, or proof of residence. It can refer to a specific building (an official residence) or to the state of living somewhere (to have a residence there). Countability matters: 'a residence' but 'residence in London' (uncountable).
Usage Reminders
- Know the formality level
- Use with legal/official contexts
- Differentiate from home/dwelling
- Remember countable vs uncountable uses
- Learn common collocations: permanent residence, residence permit, proof of residence
- Reside is used with in/at for places
Common Misconceptions
- Residence always means a building; it does not—it's also the state of living somewhere
- Confusing residence with home; use home for casual talk and residence for formal contexts
- Thinking residence and address are the same; address is a location, residence is a status or place of living
- Forgetting countability; you can say 'a residence' but often refer to 'residence in London' as a state
- Misusing 'residency' as a synonym for 'residence' in all contexts
Thinking Differences
In English, residence is the formal way to discuss where someone lives or lives in a legal sense; learners often default to home, which is more casual and personal. Move to residence for official statements or documents.
Learning Tips
- Note collocations like permanent residence and residence permit
- Differentiate residence from home/dwelling
- Remember it can describe a place or the act of living
- Use in formal contexts, not casual chat
- Practice with 'reside in/at' + place
- Learn related terms: address, dwelling, domicile
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'residence'?
A.A type of dance
B.A place to live
C.A musical instrument
D.A cooking utensil
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence where 'residence' is used correctly:
A.She lives in a big residence.
B.I love to play the residence.
C.He plays the residence beautifully.
D.The chef used a residence to cook.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'residence'?
A.Office
B.House
C.Hospital
D.Store
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'residence'?
A.Mansion
B.Shack
C.Camp
D.Apartment
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'residence'?
A.Ordering food at a restaurant
B.Explaining a scientific concept
C.Discussing sports
D.Talking about where you live
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