What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inhabited
Example
The island is inhabited by a small community of fishermen. [inhabited: adjective]
Example
The region has been inhabited for thousands of years. [inhabited: verb]
populated
Example
The city is populated with millions of residents. [populated: adjective]
Example
The country is sparsely populated due to its harsh climate. [populated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Populated is more commonly used than inhabited in everyday language. Populated is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inhabited is less common and refers specifically to places where people live.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inhabited and populated?
Both inhabited and populated are neutral in tone and can be used in formal and informal contexts.
