Words / B2

DWEL/dwel/

To dwell is formal for live: dwell in; a dwelling (noun). In exams the useful sense is dwell on / upon = keep thinking or talking about. Live is everyday. Markers: do not dwell on one bad question. Do not mix with swell or well.

Meaning

To live in a place (formal); also to keep thinking about something (dwell on).

Examples

• “Markers told candidates not to dwell on one bad question.”
• “Few still dwell in the old mill cottages, which is the formal “live” sense.”

Good to know

dwell on / upon a topic. Formal: dwell in a place. Noun: a dwelling. Everyday: live. Advice: don’t dwell on mistakes. Not a synonym of stay overnight.

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