C2 noun Neutral

apartment

/əˈpɑːrtmənt/

A self-contained housing unit that occupies only part of a building, generally on a single story. In a high-level context, it can also refer to a suite of rooms assigned to a particular person or family in a large edifice like a palace.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I just moved into a modest apartment near the city center to be closer to work.

I have recently relocated to a small residential unit in the urban core for a shorter commute.

2

The state rooms are located on the first floor, while the private apartments of the monarch are on the second.

The public reception areas are on level one, but the king's personal living quarters are on level two.

3

I'm heading back to my apartment to grab some snacks before the party.

I am returning to my flat to get food items before the social gathering.

Word Family

Noun
apartment
Adjective
apartment-style
Related
apartment-dweller
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Memory Tip

Focus on the 'apart' in 'apartment': it is a living space that is set 'apart' from others within a single large building.

Quick Quiz

After the reception, the visiting dignitaries were escorted back to their private ___ in the west wing of the palace.

Correct!

The correct answer is: apartments

Examples

1

I just moved into a modest apartment near the city center to be closer to work.

everyday

I have recently relocated to a small residential unit in the urban core for a shorter commute.

2

The state rooms are located on the first floor, while the private apartments of the monarch are on the second.

formal

The public reception areas are on level one, but the king's personal living quarters are on level two.

3

I'm heading back to my apartment to grab some snacks before the party.

informal

I am returning to my flat to get food items before the social gathering.

4

Sociological research indicates that high-density apartment living can significantly influence communal social structures.

academic

Studies in sociology show that living in crowded residential buildings affects how communities interact.

5

The contract includes the provision of a corporate apartment for the duration of the international assignment.

business

The agreement guarantees a company-funded residence for the time spent working abroad.

Word Family

Noun
apartment
Adjective
apartment-style
Related
apartment-dweller

Common Collocations

studio apartment A small apartment consisting of a single main room.
apartment complex A group of buildings containing several residential units.
spacious apartment A residential unit with a lot of room or space.
penthouse apartment A luxury flat located on the top floor of a tall building.
furnished apartment A rental unit that already includes furniture like beds and sofas.

Common Phrases

garden apartment

An apartment located on the ground floor, often with direct access to a lawn or garden.

bachelor apartment

A very small apartment designed for one person, often lacking a separate bedroom.

serviced apartment

A fully furnished apartment available for short-term or long-term stay, providing hotel-like amenities.

Often Confused With

apartment vs flat

apartment vs department

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Usage Notes

At the C2 level, recognize that 'apartment' can describe palatial suites of rooms (e.g., 'The Royal Apartments') rather than just modern rental units. It is generally considered slightly more formal or upscale than the word 'flat' in some international contexts.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the preposition 'at' when they should use 'in' (e.g., saying 'I live at an apartment' instead of 'I live in an apartment').

💡

Memory Tip

Focus on the 'apart' in 'apartment': it is a living space that is set 'apart' from others within a single large building.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the French 'appartement' and the Italian 'appartamento', which stems from 'appartare' meaning 'to separate or set apart'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Regular plural: apartments Commonly preceded by 'in' or 'at the' (when referring to a specific building location)
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Cultural Context

In dense metropolitan areas like New York, Tokyo, or London, living in an apartment is often a symbol of urban lifestyle rather than a lack of resources for a house.

Quick Quiz

After the reception, the visiting dignitaries were escorted back to their private ___ in the west wing of the palace.

Correct!

The correct answer is: apartments

Related Words

complement

A2

A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.

compound

A2

Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.

conceive

A2

To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.

confer

A2

To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.

conform

A2

To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.

consecutive

A2

Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).

consistency

A2

Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.

disclude

B1

Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.

antiformous

B1

Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.

interspect

B1

Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.

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