residente
Lemma Details
Translation: resident; inhabitant; dweller; occupant
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'residens, residentis', present participle of 'residere' meaning 'to remain behind, to stay'. The Latin verb is formed from 're-' (back, again) and 'sedere' (to sit). The English cognate 'resident' shares the same Latin origin, making this an easy word to recognize for English speakers. The concept of 'sitting back' or 'remaining in a place' evolved into the meaning of someone who lives or stays in a particular location.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los residentes del edificio se reunieron para discutir los problemas de mantenimiento.
The residents of the building met to discuss maintenance issues.
Como residente permanente, tiene derecho a trabajar en el país.
As a permanent resident, you have the right to work in the country.
El artista es residente de Barcelona desde hace diez años.
The artist has been a resident of Barcelona for ten years.
Los médicos residentes trabajan muchas horas en el hospital.
The resident doctors work many hours at the hospital.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'reside' + '-ente' = someone who resides somewhere
- Imagine someone sitting ('sedere' in Latin) in their home permanently
- Associate with English 'resident' - they sound almost identical
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'residente' has important legal connotations related to immigration status. A 'residente permanente' has legal rights to live indefinitely in a country, while a 'residente temporal' has temporary permission. In medical contexts, 'médico residente' refers to a resident doctor completing specialized training after medical school, similar to the English usage.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Residente' means someone who lives in a place, while 'presidente' means the leader of an organization or country.
Confused word:
El presidente de la compañía anunció nuevas políticas.
The president of the company announced new policies.
Notes: Both words end with '-idente' but have different meanings and uses in formal contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Presidente' has an extra 'p' at the beginning - think 'p' for power or position of leadership.
Explanation: 'Residente' refers to someone who lives somewhere, while 'resistente' means resistant or durable.
Notes: The extra 's' in 'resistente' changes the meaning completely from habitation to durability.
Mnemonic: 'Resistente' contains 'resist' - something that resists or withstands pressure.