dweller
UK: ˈdwelə(r) | US: ˈdwelər
n. a person or animal that lives in or occupies a specified place
The word "dweller" originates from the Old English verb "dwellan," meaning "to lead astray" or "to linger," which later evolved to mean "to reside." The suffix "-er" is an agentive suffix in English, used to denote someone who performs an action (e.g., "runner," "teacher"). Over time, "dweller" came to specifically refer to someone who inhabits a place, emphasizing the act of living or staying. The shift from "lingering" to "residing" reflects a natural semantic progression in language.
The cave dweller adapted to life in complete darkness.
Urban dwellers often face higher living costs.
The island dwellers relied on fishing for survival.
As a longtime dweller of this neighborhood, she knew all its secrets.
The book describes the daily struggles of a slum dweller.