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 New York City for over a decade. [resident: noun]
Example
She applied for residency in Canada to be closer to her family. [residency: noun]
occupant
Example
The occupant of the front seat offered to switch with the person in the back. [occupant: noun]
Example
The rental agreement stated that only two occupants were allowed in the apartment. [occupants: plural noun]
Example
The current occupant of the CEO position will retire next year. [occupant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resident is more commonly used than occupant in everyday language, especially when referring to someone who lives in a particular place for an extended period. Occupant is more limited in scope and is typically used in more specific contexts, such as describing someone who is temporarily staying in a particular location.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between resident and occupant?
Resident is generally considered more formal than occupant, which can have a more neutral or even negative connotation. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
