Seclusion: meaning, definitions and examples

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seclusion

[sɪˈkluːʒən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in solitude

the state of being private and away from other people

Synonyms

isolation, privacy, solitude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
seclusion	Used when someone is deliberately staying away from others, often for personal or contemplative reasons. After the incident, she retreated to a cabin in seclusion. The author wrote his novel in seclusion.
solitude	Describes the state of being alone, typically by choice, which can be peaceful and enjoyable. He enjoys the solitude of early morning walks. She seeks solitude to meditate each day.
isolation	Implies a state of being separated from others, which can be physical, emotional, or social, and often has a negative connotation. He felt a deep sense of isolation after moving to the new city. The patient was placed in isolation to prevent the spread of infection.
privacy	Refers to being free from unwanted or intrusive attention, commonly used in daily and legal contexts. She closed the door for some privacy during the phone call. The new policy aims to protect individual privacy.

Examples of usage

He preferred the seclusion of his mountain cabin for writing.
The monastery is known for its peaceful seclusion.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a secluded place

the state of being hidden or sheltered from view

Synonyms

concealment, privacy, secrecy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
seclusion	Used when referring to being away from people, typically by choice, in a peaceful or quiet place. It can describe a physical or emotional state. After the stressful week, she craved seclusion in her mountain cabin. The writer finds inspiration during his moments of seclusion.
privacy	Used when discussing someone's right or desire to keep personal matters and relationships away from public scrutiny or interference. Often refers to situations where one is free from being observed or disturbed by others. He valued his privacy and rarely spoke about his personal life. The new laws were designed to protect the privacy of internet users.
secrecy	Implies a deliberate effort to keep something hidden or unknown, often because revealing it could have consequences. It can have a negative connotation when associated with suspicion or mistrust. The secrecy surrounding the project raised many questions. Her secrecy about the surprise party made everyone curious.
concealment	Refers to the act of hiding something or keeping it secret, often with intent. It often implies that something is kept away from discovery to prevent knowledge of it. The documents were found after years of careful concealment. Her artful concealment of her emotions made it hard to understand what she was truly thinking.

Examples of usage

The beach house offers seclusion and tranquility.
The garden was a perfect spot for seclusion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'seclusion' comes from the Latin word 'secludere', which means 'to shut off' or 'to close off'.
It has been used in English since at least the 14th century, reflecting the idea of being separate from others.
The prefix 'se-' in Latin indicates 'apart' or 'away from', aligning with the meaning of isolation.

Psychology

Studies show that a little seclusion can be beneficial for mental health, helping individuals recharge and gain clarity.
Excessive seclusion, however, can lead to feelings of loneliness and social anxiety, highlighting the importance of balanced social interaction.
In psychology, 'seclusion' is sometimes used as a strategy in therapy to help individuals confront personal issues without distractions.

Literature

In many classic novels, characters often seek seclusion to reflect or escape from societal pressures, such as in Emily Dickinson's poetry.
Famous works like 'Walden' by Henry David Thoreau celebrate the virtues of solitude and reflection found in secluded nature.
Secluded settings are frequently used in literature as metaphors for internal conflict, solitude, or personal growth.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have varying attitudes towards seclusion; in some, it is embraced as a path to enlightenment, while in others, community and social engagement are prioritized.
In many Eastern traditions, seclusion is a way to achieve mindfulness and spiritual clarity, often practiced through meditation retreats.
Conversely, in Western societies, prolonged seclusion is sometimes viewed negatively, associated with loneliness or social withdrawal.

Historical Context

Throughout history, many religious figures, such as monks and hermits, have sought seclusion to focus on spiritual practices and self-discovery.
During the Victorian era, seclusion was often linked to femininity, with women expected to be more reserved and distanced from public life.
Architectural designs of the past, like cloisters and retreats, illustrate how spaces were created specifically for seclusion and contemplation.

Translations

Translations of the word "seclusion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 isolamento

🇮🇳 अलगाव

🇩🇪 Abgeschiedenheit

🇮🇩 pengasingan

🇺🇦 ізоляція

🇵🇱 odosobnienie

🇯🇵 隔離 (kakuri)

🇫🇷 isolement

🇪🇸 aislamiento

🇹🇷 tecrit

🇰🇷 격리 (gyeongri)

🇸🇦 عزلة (uzla)

🇨🇿 izolace

🇸🇰 izolácia

🇨🇳 隔离 (gélí)

🇸🇮 osamitev

🇮🇸 einangrun

🇰🇿 оқшаулану

🇬🇪 მარტოობა (mart’ooba)

🇦🇿 təcrid

🇲🇽 aislamiento

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,741, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14738 shewed
14739 drooping
14740 summits
14741 seclusion
14742 foraging
14743 invariable
14744 toluene
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