"Lobby", "foyer", "entry(way), "entranceway" and "front (of house)/front room" seem to be used to designate an area or a room near the entrance to a public building such as a hotel, where one can wait, and sit and relax and talk. But, are there any differences to these terms or do they mean pretty much the same and, as such, can be used just about interchangeably?
Additionally, are any of these more typical of an English variety than of another?
Besides, "foyer", "entry(way)" and "entrance(way)" seem also to be used to designate an area by the entrance to a private home. Are there any differences to these or do they mean just about the same?
Also, are any of these terms typical of a particular variety than of another?
Best Answer
About the fist part of your question, I checked quickly (as I did for your question about living room and so on) and apparently foyer, lobby, entry(way) and entranceway are all terms to designate an entrance hall in a public building. As I said in my answer to your other question, the use of one term rather than another can be subjective. But I would say that foyer sounds a little bit old. That is the word you will find in a nineteenth century novel.
In a private home,the most common is entry. I am not sure you would say to your guest Don't stay in the foyer. Sounds weird.