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Recluse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฆ
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recluse

[rษชหˆkluหs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

living alone

A person who lives a solitary life and avoids contact with other people.

Synonyms

hermit, loner, solitary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recluse

Mostly refers to someone who chooses to live away from society, often avoiding all social contact. Typically used in a somewhat formal or literary context.

  • The old author lived as a recluse in a small cabin in the woods
  • After the tragedy, he became a recluse, shunning all human contact
hermit

Describes someone who lives in seclusion, often for religious reasons or in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Typically has an archaic, almost legendary connotation.

  • The hermit lived in a cave and spent his days meditating
  • Legends tell of a hermit who has lived atop the mountain for decades
loner

Refers to a person who prefers to be alone and often avoids social interaction. Can carry a slightly negative connotation implying social awkwardness or antisocial behavior.

  • Heโ€™s always been a bit of a loner, reading books alone during lunch breaks
  • As a natural loner, she seldom participates in group activities
solitary

Used to describe someone who often spends time alone, focusing on their own thoughts or activities. It can also refer to a lifestyle or activity conducted alone. Can sometimes imply sadness or isolation.

  • She enjoys her solitary walks along the beach
  • His solitary nature made it difficult for him to form close relationships

Examples of usage

  • The old man was a recluse who rarely left his house.
  • The writer spent years as a recluse, avoiding public appearances.
Context #2 | Noun

animal behavior

An animal that lives a solitary life away from the rest of its species.

Synonyms

lone creature, solitary animal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recluse

Used to describe a person who deliberately avoids social interactions and lives in isolation, often due to personal preference. Typically has a more formal tone.

  • The author turned into a recluse after the success of his first novel.
  • He lived as a recluse in the mountains for many years.
solitary animal

Commonly used to describe animals that naturally live and hunt on their own rather than in groups. It is more scientific or factual in tone.

  • The tiger is a solitary animal that prefers to hunt alone.
  • Owls are typically solitary animals, only coming together for mating.
lone creature

Used in a more poetic or anthropomorphic way to describe an animal or sometimes a person that lives or acts alone. It suggests a touch of empathy or romanticism.

  • The wolf, a lone creature, roamed the forest at night.
  • In many ways, she was like a lone creature, navigating life's challenges on her own.

Examples of usage

  • The mountain lion is a nocturnal recluse, rarely seen by humans.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Many recluses feel more comfortable in isolation, sometimes due to social anxiety or past traumas.
  • The personality trait of introversion can often lead someone to prefer solitude over social interactions.
  • Research suggests that prolonged isolation can affect mental health, leading to feelings of loneliness or depression.

Literature

  • Famous literary works often feature reclusive characters, such as Boo Radley in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
  • Emily Dickinson, a renowned poet, was known for her reclusive lifestyle, writing most of her work in solitude.
  • Recluses in literature often symbolize the struggle between society and the individualโ€™s quest for self-discovery.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and books portray reclusive characters who eventually reveal significant insights about life and relationships.
  • In movies like 'A Beautiful Mind', the protagonist is a brilliant recluse struggling with both personal demons and societal expectations.
  • The trope of the reclusive genius appears frequently in various media, highlighting the connection between solitude and creativity.

Nature

  • Certain animals, like the hermit crab, exhibit reclusive behavior by seeking shelter in discarded shells to avoid predators.
  • Many species of plants thrive in secluded environments, away from competitive and damaging influences.
  • Reclusive habitats, like deep forests or hidden caves, are often rich ecosystems that remain undisturbed by human activity.

Origin of 'recluse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'reclusus', which means 'to shut up' or 'to seclude'.
  • Its first known use in English dates back to the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century.
  • In French, the word 'reclus' also refers to a hermit, showcasing a connection to solitude.

The word 'recluse' comes from the Middle English word 'reclus', which originated from the Old French word 'reclus', meaning 'shut up' or 'enclosed'. The term was used in medieval times to refer to a person who withdrew from the world for religious reasons. Over time, the meaning evolved to include anyone who lives a solitary or secluded life.

See also: reclusion, reclusive.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,991, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.