Inhabit

Inhabit is a verb meaning to live in or occupy a place as a resident. It describes the presence of living beings—people, animals, or other organisms—in a given area, or the act of occupying that area. For example, “The island is inhabited by iguanas” or “Humans inhabit many parts of the world.” The passive form is common: “The region is inhabited by several indigenous communities.” The word is typically followed by a place name or noun phrase indicating where dwelling occurs. Related adjectives include inhabitable (capable of being lived in) and uninhabitable (not suitable for living).

Etymology and history: Inhabit derives from Latin inhabēre, literally “to dwell in,” from in- (in, within) and habēre (to have, hold, possess). It entered English via Old French or directly through early Middle English usage, with reinforcing sense development over time to emphasize residence within a place.

Usage notes: Inhabit is primarily transitive in active voice (subject inhabits a place) and can be used intransitively in the passive voice (the place is inhabited). It is often used in formal or descriptive contexts; more common everyday synonyms include reside, dwell, or live in. The related noun is inhabitant (plural inhabitants), referring to a person or animal that resides in a place, while habitation or habitat denotes the act of living or the place where a living thing resides.

See also: habitat, habitation, inhabited/uninhabited, inhabitant.

---