What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
landlord
Example
The landlord came to fix the leaky faucet in the bathroom. [landlord: noun]
Example
She has been a landlord for over 10 years and owns several rental properties. [landlord: noun]
proprietor
Example
The proprietor of the restaurant greeted us at the door. [proprietor: noun]
Example
He is the proprietor of a successful software company. [proprietor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Landlord is more commonly used than proprietor in everyday language, especially in the context of rental properties. Proprietor is a more formal term and is typically used in business or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between landlord and proprietor?
Proprietor is a more formal term than landlord, and is typically used in business or legal contexts. Landlord is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.