What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
residency
Example
After five years of residency in the United States, she finally became a citizen. [residency: noun]
Example
He completed his medical residency at the hospital last year. [residency: noun]
Example
The artist was awarded a residency at the prestigious art institute. [residency: noun]
stay
Example
We stayed at a hotel near the beach during our vacation. [stay: verb]
Example
I'm planning to stay with my friend in New York for a few weeks. [stay: verb]
Example
The company provided a free stay at a luxury resort for their employees. [stay: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stay is a more common term than residency in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile. Residency is a more specialized term that is typically used in formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between residency and stay?
Residency is a more formal term than stay, as it is often used in professional or legal contexts. However, both terms can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context.