reside
13 synonyms and 3 antonyms for reside, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To live somewhere on a permanent or long-term basis.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use reside
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
More formal than "live" — common in official or legal contexts.
Etymology
From Old French resider, from Latin resideo, "to remain behind, dwell" — from re- ("back") plus sedeo ("sit").
Full origin of reside →Frequently asked questions
What does “reside” mean?
The word “reside” means to live somewhere on a permanent or long-term basis.
How do you pronounce “reside”?
“Reside” is pronounced rih-ZYD (/ɹɪˈzaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “reside” in a sentence?
Here is “reside” used in a sentence: “She currently resides in Manchester.”
What is another word for “reside”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reside” include abide, bedwell, belive, dwell, haunt and inhabit.
What is the opposite of “reside”?
The opposite of “reside” — its antonyms — are leave, vacate and wander.
What part of speech is “reside”?
“Reside” is a verb.
Where does the word “reside” come from?
The word “reside” comes from Latin. From Old French resider, from Latin resideo, "to remain behind, dwell" — from re- ("back") plus sedeo ("sit").
Is “reside” a common word?
“Reside” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between reside and live?
Reside and live both mean to make one's home somewhere, but reside is more formal and is often used in legal, official, or written contexts, such as "the applicant resides at the following address." Live is the everyday, informal word used in ordinary speech.
Can reside be used for things other than people living somewhere?
Yes, reside also has a figurative sense meaning to exist or be located within something, especially an abstract quality, as in "the power resides with the committee" or "the problem resides in the design." This use extends the word beyond physical residence to abstract location.
Is reside formal or informal English?
Reside is generally considered more formal than everyday alternatives like 'live' or 'stay,' and it appears frequently in legal documents, official forms, and written English rather than casual conversation.