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Reclusive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reclusive

[rɪˈkluːsɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

living a solitary life

Reclusive is used to describe someone who avoids social interactions and prefers to live alone or in seclusion. These individuals often seek solitude and privacy, distancing themselves from the outside world.

Synonyms

isolated, solitary, withdrawn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reclusive

Used to describe someone who deliberately avoids others and lives away from society, often for personal or psychological reasons.

  • The reclusive author refused to give interviews and rarely left his house
  • She became reclusive after the tragic event, seeing almost no one
solitary

Describes the state of being alone, often used to emphasize the absence of companionship. This word can have a neutral or a slightly melancholic connotation.

  • He enjoyed his solitary walks in the park every morning
  • The prisoner spent weeks in solitary confinement as punishment
isolated

Used when someone or something is physically separated from others, giving a sense of loneliness but not necessarily by choice.

  • The small village was isolated from the rest of the country by mountains
  • He felt isolated in the new city, far away from family and friends
withdrawn

Refers to someone who is shy or introverted, avoiding social interaction. It often suggests a choice, but sometimes implies sadness or emotional distress.

  • After her friend moved away, she became increasingly withdrawn and quiet
  • The child had a withdrawn demeanor, often preferring to play alone

Examples of usage

  • The reclusive author rarely made public appearances.
  • She lived a reclusive life in the remote countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Context #2 | Noun

a person who lives in seclusion or isolation

A reclusive is someone who chooses to live a solitary life, away from society and social interactions. They often prefer the peace and quiet of seclusion over the noise and chaos of crowded places.

Synonyms

hermit, introvert, loner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reclusive

Used to describe someone who lives in seclusion, often avoiding social interactions and public life.

  • She led a reclusive life in the mountains, rarely seen by her neighbors
hermit

Refers to a person who chooses to live in solitude, often for religious or spiritual reasons. It can imply a more extreme level of isolation than 'reclusive'.

  • The old man lived as a hermit in a small cabin in the forest, dedicating his life to prayer
loner

Refers to a person who prefers to be alone or operates independently of others. It can have a negative or neutral connotation depending on the context.

  • He was known as a loner at school, often sitting by himself during lunch
introvert

Describes someone who tends to be more reserved and less outgoing, typically feeling more energized by solitary activities rather than social interactions. It does not necessarily imply complete isolation.

  • As an introvert, he preferred reading books over attending parties

Examples of usage

  • The old man was known in the village as the reclusive who seldom left his house.
  • Despite being a reclusive, she found solace in the company of books and nature.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Some studies suggest that reclusiveness can be linked to introversion, where individuals may feel drained by social interactions.
  • Mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, can also lead to a desire for reclusive behavior as a form of self-protection.

Literature

  • Many famous authors, such as J.D. Salinger and Emily Dickinson, are known for their reclusive lifestyles, leading to intrigue about their private lives.
  • In literature, reclusive characters often symbolize deeper themes of isolation, introspection, and the search for identity.

Pop Culture

  • Reclusive celebrities, like Prince and Greta Garbo, often generate significant media curiosity regarding their personal lives and retreats from public life.
  • Movies often portray reclusive characters as mysterious figures, like the hermit in fairy tales, enhancing their allure.

Sociology

  • In modern society, technology has allowed some to live reclusively while still maintaining virtual connections through social media.
  • Reclusive communities, such as those practicing intentional living, often foster a sense of belonging despite their preference for solitude.

Origin of 'reclusive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'reclusive' comes from the Latin 'recludere', meaning 'to shut up or isolate'.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, evolving from 'reclude', which means to exclude or shut away.

The word 'reclusive' originated from the Latin word 'recludere', which means 'to shut up' or 'to seclude'. The concept of living a secluded or solitary life has been present throughout history, with individuals choosing to retreat from society for various reasons such as seeking spiritual enlightenment, avoiding social pressures, or simply enjoying solitude. The term 'reclusive' gained popularity in the English language to describe individuals who prefer seclusion and isolation.

See also: recluse, reclusion.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,547 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.