What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cohabitant
Example
My boyfriend is my cohabitant. We live together in our apartment. [cohabitant: noun]
Example
She has been my cohabitant for five years now, and we share all the household chores. [cohabitant: adjective]
roommate
Example
I'm looking for a roommate to share the rent of my apartment. [roommate: noun]
Example
He used to be my roommate in college, but we didn't really hang out much. [roommate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Roommate is more commonly used than cohabitant in everyday language. Roommate is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, such as college dorms, shared apartments, or temporary living arrangements. Cohabitant, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in the context of romantic or long-term living arrangements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cohabitant and roommate?
While cohabitant is associated with a more formal and legal tone, roommate is more informal and commonly used in casual conversations or everyday language.
