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 and joins us for meals. [boarder: noun]
Example
She decided to become a boarder at the university dormitory for convenience. [boarder: noun]
tenant
Example
The tenant complained about the plumbing issues in the apartment. [tenant: noun]
Example
They are looking for a responsible tenant to rent their house. [tenant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tenant is more commonly used than boarder in everyday language. Tenant is a widely recognized term for someone who rents a property, while boarder is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as renting a room within a private residence.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between boarder and tenant?
While tenant is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, boarder is more informal and often associated with casual living arrangements or student housing.