residence
/ˈrez.ɪ.dəns/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A place where someone lives. It is a more formal word than "home" or "house". It can also mean an official building where someone lives or stays.
- Her residence is near the city centre.
- The ambassador's residence is guarded.
- Please give your current residence address.
Adinary Nuance
Residence is more formal than home or house. Use it in official, legal, or written contexts, not usually in casual speech. In everyday talk, people usually say "home" or "place."
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nơi ở
- Spanish
- residencia
- Chinese
- 住所
- Japanese
- 住居
- Korean
- 거주지
Etymology
Residence comes from Latin residentia, from residere meaning "to sit back" or "stay." It entered English through French in the Middle Ages.
Common phrases
place of residencepermanent residenceofficial residenceresidence address
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "residence" formal or informal?
- It is formal. People often use it in forms, legal writing, and official documents.
- What is the difference between "residence" and "home"?
- "Home" is warmer and more personal. "Residence" sounds more formal and neutral.
- Can I say "my residence" in daily conversation?
- Yes, but it may sound stiff. "My home" or "where I live" sounds more natural.
- Is "permanent residence" a common phrase?
- Yes. It is common in immigration, legal, and government contexts.