What is the difference between cohabit and cohabitate? I know the general definition of these words, but I cannot distinguish between the two (i.e., in my mind the definitions are identical).
I see that
cohabitis in (Google’s) online dictionary and cohabitate is not, but in practice the two seem to be used interchangeably.
Answer
The two terms are synonyms. They both derive from Latin “cohabitare”. Cohabitate is a later formation.
cohabit (v.):
“to dwell together,” specifically “to dwell together as husband and wife,” 1530s, a back-formation from cohabitation (q.v.) or else from Late Latin cohabitare. A euphemism to describe a couple living together without benefit of marriage and usually implying sexual intercourse.
cohabitate (v.):
1630s, from Late Latin cohabitatus, past participle of cohabitare “to dwell together,” from co- “with, together” (see co-) + habitare “to live, inhabit, dwell”.
(Etymonline)
Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : Brigadeiro , Answer Author : user 66974