What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
resident
Example
The new resident of the apartment complex introduced herself to her neighbors. [resident: noun]
Example
He has been a resident of this town for over 20 years. [resident: noun]
Example
She is a legal resident of the United States. [resident: adjective]
inhabitant
Example
The inhabitants of the island were friendly and welcoming. [inhabitants: noun]
Example
The city has a large population of inhabitants from different ethnic backgrounds. [inhabitants: noun]
Example
The Amazon rainforest is home to many unique species and their inhabitants. [inhabitants: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resident is more commonly used than inhabitant in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between resident and inhabitant?
Resident has a more formal connotation than inhabitant, but both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
