Tenant

Definition

A tenant is a person who occupies land or property rented from a landlord.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛnənt/
• Respelling: TEN-uhnt (with "TEN" as in "ten" and "uhnt" as in "hunt")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛnənt/
• Respelling: TEN-uhnt (similar to American English, with "TEN" as in "ten" and "uhnt" like in "hunt")

In both dialects, "tenant" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TEN." The pronunciation of "tenant" is consistent between American and British English, with the word ending in "uhnt," similar to the sound in "hunt."

Etymology

The word "tenant" comes from the Old French word tenant, which means 'holding.' It's derived from the Latin word tenāns, which is the present participle of tenēre meaning 'to hold.'

Derivatives

• Tenancy (noun)
• Tenantable (adjective)
• Tenantless (adjective)
• Tenantry (noun)
• Tenantship (noun)

Synonyms

• Renter
• Lessee
• Occupant

Antonyms

• Landlord
• Owner
• Proprietor

Usage

The term "tenant" is predominantly used in legal, residential, and commercial contexts to refer to individuals or entities occupying or holding land or property rented from a landlord or property owner.

Related Terms

• Lease
• Leaseholder
• Subtenant

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Occupant: An individual or entity that occupies land or property rented from a landlord or property owner.
• Example: The tenant is responsible for paying rent on the first day of every month.

• Lessee: A person who holds the lease of a property; a renter.
• Example: The lessee, also known as the tenant, must adhere to the terms stipulated in the lease agreement.

• Resident: An individual residing in rented premises.
• Example: As a resident, the tenant has the right to a habitable living environment.