Apartment

Definition

Apartment is a noun that refers to a self-contained housing unit that occupies part of a building. Apartments are typically rented by tenants but may also be owned. The term is commonly used in American English, while "flat" is often used in British English.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈpɑːrtmənt/
• Respelling: uh-PART-muhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈpɑːtmənt/
• Respelling: uh-PART-muhnt

Etymology

The word "apartment" originates from the French "appartement," which derives from the Italian "appartamento," meaning "a separated place." This, in turn, originates from the Latin "apportare" (to bring) and "ad" (to) and "part" (section or division). The term entered English in the 17th century.

Derivatives

• Apartmental (adjective)
• Apartment complex (noun)
• Apartment building (noun)
• Studio apartment (noun)
• Apartment block (noun)

Synonyms

• Flat
• Unit
• Condo

Antonyms

• House
• Villa
• Estate

Usage

The term "apartment" is commonly used in urban settings to refer to individual housing units within a larger building. For example, "They moved into a new apartment downtown," or "The apartment has two bedrooms and a balcony."

Related Terms

• Condominium: A housing unit in a building owned by an individual, with shared access to common areas.
• Studio: A small apartment with a combined living and sleeping area.
• Duplex: A building with two separate apartments or living spaces.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A self-contained housing unit in a building: Refers to a single living space within a larger residential structure, often rented.
  • Example: "Her apartment is located on the fifth floor of the building."
• A residential space typically with a kitchen, bathroom, and living areas: Often used in urban environments to denote smaller housing units.
  • Example: "He lives in a studio apartment downtown."