English Lexicon

Dwell

/dwɛl/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #3500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To live or stay as a permanent resident; to reside.

    "They dwelt in the same house for over twenty years."
  2. 2

    To linger over or focus on a particular thought or subject.

    "He dwelt on the memories of his childhood."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Old English verb 'dwellan', meaning to lead astray, hinder, or delay, stemming from Proto-Germanic roots. By the Middle English period, the meaning shifted significantly via Old Norse influence to mean 'to delay, abide, or remain in a place', eventually specializing in modern usage to living somewhere or persisting in thought.

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