What Is a House?
A house is a single-unit residential building that ranges in complexity from a rudimentary hut to a multilevel structure of wood, masonry or concrete outfitted with plumbing, electrical and heating systems. Houses are usually built for human habitation, but may also serve as shelter for domestic or wild animals.
A house can be furnished to feel cozy and inviting, or it can convey a sense of grandeur and luxury through its architectural or decorative features. It can be designed with utilitarian value in mind, or it can offer a comfortable retreat for personal reflection or family gatherings. Some houses incorporate elements of cultural heritage or traditions, offering a rich, immersive experience.
Realtors often use descriptive words to help buyers imagine what it would be like to live in a home. Words such as charming, quaint and picturesque can invoke images of storybook houses that are steeped in history. These words are especially popular when describing older homes that have been lovingly cared for over the years. Some real estate agents avoid the use of red flag words such as “fixer-upper” and “great potential,” which can signal that a house needs major renovations before it’s ready for sale.
The House is one of two bodies of the United States Congress, along with the Senate. The House is a democratically elected body, and each state has at least one representative. The number of representatives has varied over time, but since 1911 the House has always been limited to 435 members. Each member serves for two-year terms, and a vacancy in the House is filled by special election. The Speaker of the House heads his or her party’s steering committee, chooses chairs of standing committees and determines which bills a committee will consider.
A house is sometimes used as a metaphor for a person’s life, and expressions such as “the house of cards” and “this girl’s got a house full of boys” suggest that someone has a lot on her plate. A house can also refer to a place that is open to the public, such as a museum or library. The term house can also be used figuratively, such as when a business or event takes off like “a shot out of the blue,” or when people are told to get their “house in order.”