apartment
UK: əˈpɑːtmənt | US: əˈpɑːrtmənt
n. a self-contained housing unit within a larger building, typically rented or owned
n. (archaic) a private room or suite of rooms
apartment = apart<separate> + ment<noun suffix>
- apart: From Old French a part ("to the side"), derived from Latin ad (to) + partem (part). Originally meant "separate" or "set aside."
- ment: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -mentum, indicating the result or means of an action.
Etymology Origin:
The word "apartment" entered English in the 17th century from French appartement, which referred to a private suite of rooms in a palace. The Latin roots ad partem ("to the side") reflect the idea of a space separated for individual use. Over time, it shifted from luxury dwellings to general rental units, retaining the core concept of division.
She rented a small apartment downtown.
The royal apartments were lavishly decorated.
Modern apartments often include shared amenities.
He converted the attic into a cozy apartment.
Their apartment overlooks the city park.