C1noun2K

Tenant

UK /["/ˈtenənt/"]/US /["/ˈtenənt/"]/

Definition

a person who pays rent for the use of a room, building, land, etc. to the person who owns it

In simple words: A person who pays rent to live in a place.

Examples

  • They had evicted their tenants for non-payment of rent.
  • The decorating was done by a previous tenant.
  • tenant farmers *(= ones who do not own their own farms)*
  • The property is currently occupied by a life tenant.
  • conflicts that might arise between landlord and tenant
  • the sale of council houses to sitting tenants

Usage notes

Use 'tenant' in neutral contexts when referring to people renting a home or office. It's not appropriate in formal legal contexts where specific terms are required.

Grammar pattern

tenant + of + property

Memory hint

Sounds like 'ten net' — imagine a fisherman catching fish in a net for his home.

Collocations

  • current
  • existing
  • sitting
  • find
  • have
  • evict
  • occupy something
  • farmer
  • landlord and tenant

Synonyms

  • renter
  • leaseholder
  • occupant
  • lodger
  • lessee

Antonyms

  • landlord
  • owner

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'tenant' vs 'tenet'
  • Using 'tenants' when referring to a single individual
  • Incorrectly using 'tenant' for someone who owns property