English

Prepositional phrase

at home

1. In one's place of residence

   Sorry Sir, I left my homework at home.

   Where's David? – He stayed at home to fix the washing machine.

   The team has won three-quarters of its games at home, but less than half of away games.

2. (idiomatic) At ease, comfortable

   I feel at home when I'm round my girlfriend's house.

   I'm right at home in my new university.

   He's quite at home discussing French literature.

3. In the home of one's parents.

   I can't believe it, she's 28 and still lives at home.

   Even though I still live at home, I'm quite successful.

4. (dated) Available to receive visitors.
   • 1922 Emily Post, Etiquette, Chapter 10: Cards and Visits

     When a servant at a door says “Not at home,” this phrase means that the lady of the house is “Not at home to visitors.” This answer neither signifies nor implies—nor is it intended to—that Mrs. Jones is out of the house.

Derived terms

• when it's at home
• when he/she's at home
• make oneself at home

Translations

Noun

at home ‎(plural at homes)

1. (now historical) A type of reception or party whereby the host says they will be ‘at home’ during specific hours, when guests can come and go as they like.
   • 1924, Ford Madox Ford, Some Do Not…, Penguin 2012 (Parade's End), p. 4:

     And, as near as possible to the dear ladies who gave the At Homes, Macmaster could keep up the talk – a little magisterially.

   • 1985, Peter Carey, Illywhacker, Faber and Faber 2003, p. 104:

     She had gone, with high hemlines, to ‘At Homes’ and balls, and left me jealous, half mad, to cluck with her parents who were concerned she might be mixing with a fast crowd.