home
/(h)əʊm/
While 'house' refers to the physical structure of a building, 'home' is an emotional concept. It conveys a sense of belonging, security, safety, and intimacy. It is where a person feels most themselves and is surrounded by those they love. In a geopolitical context, it describes one's native country or region, evoking feelings of patriotism or origin. The connotation is overwhelmingly positive, representing a sanctuary from the outside world. When used as a verb (specifically 'home in'), the feeling shifts from emotional comfort to mechanical precision and relentless focus. It describes an inevitable movement toward a fixed point, similar to how a predator or a missile tracks its prey.
Countable when referring to a physical building or residence ('They bought a new home in the suburbs'). Uncountable when referring to the emotional sense of belonging or the general concept of domesticity ('Home is where the heart is').
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Meanings
The place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.
"After a long trip, it feels wonderful to return home."
Collocations & Compounds
home sweet home
An expression of pleasure at returning to one's own comfortable residence.
make yourself at home
To make oneself feel relaxed and comfortable in someone else's house.
home game
A sports match played on the team's own field or court.
home address
The specific location of where a person lives permanently.
home in on
To move toward or focus attention precisely on a target.
Phrasal Verbs
home in on
To move toward or focus attention on a specific target or goal.
Idioms & Sayings
home is where the heart is
Your true home is the place where the people you love are.
hit home
To be fully understood or felt; to have a powerful emotional effect.
home sweet home
An expression of pleasure and contentment upon returning to one's own residence.
make yourself at home
To make oneself feel relaxed and comfortable in someone else's house.
home in on
To move toward or focus attention on a specific target.