residency
REZ-ih-dun-see
/ˈrɛzɪdənsi/
The fact of living in a particular place, or the period of time during which one lives there, often with legal permission.
A legal status that allows one to live in a country without necessarily being a citizen.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'residere', meaning 'to sit back' or 'remain'. It suggests a person who has 'sat down' and stayed in a place.
Word relationships
- habitation: A more formal or technical term for the act of living in a place.
Commonly confused with
- citizenship: Residency allows you to live there; citizenship gives you the right to vote and a passport.
Word family
- resident (noun): A person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis.
- reside (verb): To have one's permanent home in a particular place.
Collocations
- permanent residency
- apply for residency
- residency permit
Example sentences
- "She was granted permanent residency after living and working in the country for five years." A legal application.
- "The doctor completed his residency at a prestigious hospital in London." A professional context.
Memory hook
Residency is where you 'reside' (stay) for a long time. Staying put.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to a short-term stay like a vacation; it implies a more stable, long-term arrangement.
Fun facts
- In some countries, you can 'buy' residency by making a significant financial investment in the local economy.
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