B1verb 5K

Inhabit

UK //ɪnˈhæbɪt// US //ɪnˈhæbɪt// Pronunciation

Definition

To live or occupy a particular place.

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In simple words: To live in a place.

Examples

• Many species inhabit this rainforest.
• The ancient ruins were once inhabited by a great civilization.
• Bears inhabit mountainous regions during the summer.
• Cities are often inhabited by people from various cultures.
• This island is inhabited predominantly by indigenous tribes.

Usage notes

Generally used in formal contexts, it describes where people or animals live. Avoid slang or casual use.

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Grammar pattern

inhabit + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'in-hat' - imagine a hat that lives in your closet.

Collocations

• inhabit a place
• inhabit an area
• inhabit a region

Synonyms

• live
• dwell
• reside
• populate
• occupy

Antonyms

• evacuate
• desert

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'habit' which means a regular practice.
• Using it intransitively as in 'they inhabit' without specifying a place.
• Incorrectly conjugating the verb in different tenses.