Definition of the word live in

The expression "live in" originated in English to describe a situation where two or more people, usually dating, sharing a common household without the legal relationship or financial obligations of marriage. The term "live in" began appearing in English-language publications during the Victorian era in the late 19th century. According to historical records, it first appeared in the novel "Murder Among the Ultra-Victorians" by historian Robert Graves in 1971, where it was used to describe a situation in which two married people were sharing a house with another couple. However, the term did not gain widespread use until the 20th century, when it became a popular choice for couples opting for living together without marriage, often before cohabitation became generally accepted. Today, the term "live in" is a widely recognized phrase, commonly used in various settings, such as rental agreements, employment contracts, and religious communities, and has evolved to describe a variety of situations, including house-sharing, room-sharing, and live-out caregiving.