Definition

1. Adverb:

   • In, to, or at the place where one lives: Refers to being physically present in one's own residence or returning to it.
   • On the home team's field or court: In sports, refers to a team playing a game in its own stadium or venue, rather than at the opponent's.

2. Noun:

   • A social gathering held in one's own residence: A party or reception hosted at the host's own home.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • She prefers to work at home rather than in an office.
  • After a long trip, it's nice to be at home.
  • The team has a strong record when they play at home.

• Noun:

  • They are hosting an at home for the new neighbors next Friday.
  • The charity fundraiser was a lovely afternoon at home.

Advanced Usage

• "To be/feel at home": To feel comfortable, relaxed, or at ease in a place or situation.

  • Even though it was her first day, she immediately felt at home in the new office.
  • With his friendly manner, he can make anyone feel at home.

• "At home with/in something": To be knowledgeable, skilled, or comfortable with a subject or activity.

  • As a mathematician, she is completely at home with complex equations.

Variants and Related Words

• Homely (adj): Simple, comfortable, and characteristic of home. (Note: In British English, this often means "pleasant and cozy"; in American English, it can mean "plain or unattractive").
• Homebody (n): A person who enjoys spending time at home.

Synonyms

• Adverb (residence): In the house, indoors, present.
• Adverb (sports): On home ground, on home turf.
• Noun (gathering): Soiree, reception, open house.

Related Phrases

• Make yourself at home: A polite invitation for a guest to relax and behave as if in their own home.

  • Please, come in and make yourself at home.

• Home away from home: A place where one feels as comfortable as in one's own home.

  • The little café became his home away from home.

Related Idioms

• Charity begins at home: The principle that one should take care of family and local community before helping people further away.

  • He believes charity begins at home, so he volunteers at the local shelter first.

• Nothing to write home about: Not particularly interesting or impressive.

  • The movie was okay, but it was nothing to write home about.

Adverb

1. at, to, or toward the place where you reside
   • he worked at home
2. on the home team's field
   • they played at home last night

Noun

1. a reception held in your own home