Definition

A person who lives in the same house as someone else, sharing the living space and responsibilities.

Example

I have a housemate who helps with the rent and chores.

Conversation

How's your new housemate settling in?

Pretty well! We’ve been getting along great so far.

That’s good to hear! Do they have any interesting hobbies?

Yeah, they love cooking, so I’m excited for some tasty meals.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Housemate is formed from "house" (from Old English *hus*, meaning a dwelling or shelter) and "mate" (from Old English *gemetta*, meaning a companion or associate). The word "housemate" refers to a person who shares a house with others, indicating companionship in a shared dwelling.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'house' as a place where people live together, and 'mate' as a companion. A housemate is simply someone who shares that living space with you.

Visually Confused Words