1. Definition of “Bathroom”
A “bathroom” is a room in a building that is equipped with a bathtub or a shower, a sink, and usually a toilet. It's a space used for personal hygiene activities such as bathing, washing, and using the toilet. For example, “I'm going to the bathroom to take a shower.”
2. Synonyms
- Restroom
- A “restroom” is a room with toilet facilities, usually also including a sink for washing hands. The term is more commonly used in public places like restaurants, malls, or offices. For example, “Can you tell me where the restroom is?” It's similar to “bathroom” in that it provides a place for people to relieve themselves and wash up. However, “restroom” doesn't always imply the presence of a bathtub or a shower, and it has a more public - usage connotation.
- Lavatory
- A “lavatory” is a room or a fixture used for washing and often also for toilet facilities. It's a more formal term. For example, “The lavatory in the hotel was very clean.” It is related to “bathroom” as it serves similar functions. But “lavatory” can sometimes refer more specifically to the washbasin area or be used in a more old - fashioned or formal context, such as in the description of facilities in a luxury building or a transportation vehicle.
- Washroom
- A “washroom” is a room where people can wash themselves and use toilet facilities. It's similar to “bathroom” and is often used in a more general or informal way. For example, “The washroom is at the end of the hall.” The main difference from “bathroom” is that “washroom” might put a bit more emphasis on the washing aspect, although it usually includes a toilet as well. In some regions, it's a preferred term over “bathroom.”
- Toilet
- “Toilet” can refer to the actual fixture used for excretory functions, but it's also used to mean the room that contains the toilet. For example, “Is there a toilet I can use?” In this sense, it's a synonym for “bathroom” in a more casual way. However, when using “toilet” to mean the room, it might give the impression that the focus is mainly on the toilet itself and not so much on other facilities like a bathtub or a sink, which are usually associated with a “bathroom.”