at home

/ət ˈhoʊm/
phrase★Beginner
◆ What It Really Means
Feeling comfortable or at ease in a particular environment or situation.
Literal Meaning
Physically located in one's residence.
Literal Breakdown
atpreposition indicating location+homea building where one lives
◇ Mental Image
A mental picture of a cozy, familiar place where one feels safe and relaxed.
◈ When to Use
After a long day at work, she likes to unwind at home with a book.
◉ Cultural Note
The concept of 'home' as a place of comfort and security is universal across many cultures, though the specific meaning of 'home' can vary.
informal

In one's own house or place of residence; in a comfortable or familiar environment.

She feels most relaxed when she's at home.

He prefers to work at home rather than in the office.

💡

This phrase can also refer to being in a comfortable or familiar setting, not just a physical home.

Collocations

stay at hometo remain in one's residencework at hometo perform one's job remotely

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

make oneself at homephrase
to feel comfortable in someone else's home

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

This phrase is often used in everyday conversation to describe being in a familiar or comfortable setting.

⚡Gold Rule

Context Matters

While 'at home' typically refers to a physical location, it can also be used metaphorically to describe comfort or familiarity.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'at home,' combining the preposition 'at' with the noun 'home,' indicating a location.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used to describe being in a personal, comfortable environment. It can also be used metaphorically to describe feeling comfortable in a situation.

Word Breakdown

at
preposition indicating location
preposition
+
home
a place where one lives
noun
English Dictionary