cohabit
koh-HAB-it
/koʊˈhæbɪt/
To live together in the same house or share a living space, especially in a romantic or long-term domestic relationship.
While often used in legal or sociological contexts to describe unmarried romantic partners living together, it can also describe any species or groups sharing a habitat.
The story behind the word. The word travels from the Latin 'cohabitare', combining 'co-' (together) and 'habitare' (to dwell, inhabit). Historically, it carried a heavy legal weight, often used in courtrooms to determine common-law marriages or property rights.
Word relationships
- live together: 'Live together' is the common, everyday equivalent, whereas 'cohabit' sounds more formal, scientific, or legal.
- shack up: 'Shack up' is highly informal, slangy, and sometimes carries a slightly disapproving or casual tone.
- live apart: 'Live apart' means maintaining separate residences.
Commonly confused with
- coexist: 'Coexist' means existing at the same time or place without conflict, whereas 'cohabit' specifically means sharing a dwelling or domestic life.
Word family
- cohabitation (noun): The state of living together.
- cohabitant (noun): A person who lives with another.
Collocations
- choose to cohabit
- cohabit peacefully
- cohabit before marriage
Example sentences
- "Many couples choose to cohabit for several years before deciding whether to marry." Sociological study of modern relationships
- "They had to learn to cohabit in a tiny studio apartment where every sound was shared." Literary description of domestic life
Memory hook
Think of 'co-' (together) + 'habitat' (a home). To cohabit is to share a habitat together. Co-habit: Sharing a habitat.
When not to use
Do not use 'cohabit' for a casual sleepover or a very brief stay; it implies a continuous, settled living arrangement.
Fun facts
- In biology, 'cohabitation' is used to describe different species sharing the same micro-environment, like birds and squirrels sharing a single hollow tree.
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