What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boarder
Example
I have a boarder who rents a room in my house. [boarder: noun]
Example
She is a boarder at the prestigious boarding school. [boarder: noun]
resident
Example
He is a long-time resident of this town. [resident: noun]
Example
She became a legal resident of the United States last year. [resident: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resident is more commonly used than boarder in everyday language. Resident is a versatile term that covers a wide range of living situations, while boarder is less common and usually refers to specific contexts such as renting a room or staying in a boarding school.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boarder and resident?
While boarder is associated with a more casual and informal tone, resident can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Resident is often used in legal, official, or professional settings to refer to someone's legal status or place of residence.