What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
homebody
Example
I'm such a homebody, I'd rather stay in and watch a movie than go out to a party. [homebody: noun]
Example
She's always been a bit of a homebody, preferring to spend her evenings reading or watching TV. [homebody: adjective]
hermit
Example
He became a hermit after retiring, living alone in a cabin in the woods. [hermit: noun]
Example
She's not really a hermit, but she does enjoy spending time alone in nature. [hermit: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Homebody is more commonly used than hermit in everyday language. Homebody is a more relatable term that many people use to describe themselves or others, while hermit is a more extreme and less common lifestyle choice.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between homebody and hermit?
Neither homebody nor hermit are particularly formal or informal words, and both can be used in a variety of contexts without sounding out of place.