a home

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   One place where a person lives, especially a house or apartment that feels like their own.

   Grammar: Used when mentioning a home for the first time; 'the home' refers to a specific one already known.

   Patterns

   • a home of one's own
   • make a home
   • a home for someone

   After years of renting, they finally bought a home.

   She turned the small apartment into a home.

   The charity provides a home for abandoned animals.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   An environment where someone feels comfortable, safe, and accepted.

   Grammar: Often used figuratively with 'feel' or 'find': feel at home, find a home.

   Patterns

   • feel at home
   • find a home in something
   • a home for someone

   The friendly team made me feel at home immediately.

   Her ideas found a home in the new project.

   This club is a home for people who love music.

Common combinations

a home of one's own

They dreamed of buying a home of their own.

make a home

They made a home in a quiet suburb.

a home for

The shelter is a home for stray cats.

feel at home

I felt at home as soon as I walked in.

Synonyms and how they differ

house

A house is a physical building; a home can be any place where you live and feel you belong.

residence

Residence is formal and often refers to an official or temporary place to live; home is warmer and more personal.

Word family

homeless adjective

Without a place to live.

homey adjective

Comfortable and welcoming, like a home.

homely adjective

Simple and comfortable (British); plain or unattractive (American).

Commonly confused: a home or house?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a home”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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