Seclusion: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.