What is a House?
A house is a place to live in, especially one that belongs to a person or family. It can also refer to a building that is used for many purposes such as a church, office or school. A house can be bought or rented and is usually more expensive than an apartment. People who own their houses can make changes and improvements as they wish. They do not have to worry about being subject to community rules or fees, which can be a big advantage for families.
People who own their houses can also build on and expand them. The house can also be used as collateral for a loan or mortgage. It is common for a person to buy and sell their house several times during his or her lifetime. Houses can be built of different materials including brick, wood, stone and aluminum. Modern construction techniques use steel and concrete in addition to traditional wood framing. Some houses are built using adobe or rammed earth construction, which is popular in arid areas with few wood-resources.
The word house can also be used for the chamber of a legislature, such as the United States House of Representatives or state-level legislative chambers. The name of such a chamber is often preceded by the phrase The House of (state or nation).
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a rise in the power of the speaker of the House occurred. This occurred partly because of the growing influence of the Republican Party and the rise of Thomas Brackett Reed, who advocated a system in which the House would govern and the Senate watch. The Constitution does not specify how the speaker is chosen, but traditionally it has been a member of the majority party who is elected by members of the House. The position of the minority leader was created around the same time and was subordinate to the House speaker.
Other uses of the word include a place where a person or animal lives, and a group of homes grouped together for social or recreational reasons. The term can also refer to a business that specializes in food, beverages or entertainment. A restaurant, for example, may be described as a house of sushi or a house of burgers.
The word house can also refer to a building where a group of people meet, such as for political or religious meetings. A theater or opera performance is sometimes referred to as a house. In this case, it implies that the audience is a close group with shared interests and values. The word can also be applied to a group of people who work together, such as a band or sports team. In this context, it is often a synonym for a troupe or team. In the context of a business, the term house can also be used to refer to a particular type of customer or client. The house of a professional musician, for example, may be made up of other professional musicians.