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Solitarily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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solitarily

[ˈsɒl.ɪ.tər.ɪ.li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

living or being alone

In a solitary manner; alone; without companions.

Synonyms

alone, isolated, lonely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solitarily

This word is used to describe an action or state of being alone, often by choice or necessity. It can imply independence and self-sufficiency.

  • She worked solitarily on her project, enjoying the quiet and focus it provided
alone

Used to describe someone who is by themselves without any other people around. It is neutral and factual.

  • I was alone in the house all weekend while my family was away
lonely

Used to describe a feeling of sadness because one has no friends or company. It has a negative emotional connotation.

  • After moving to the new city, he felt very lonely and missed his old friends
isolated

This word often suggests physical or emotional separation from others, sometimes with a negative connotation of being cut off or distant.

  • The remote village was isolated from the rest of the world by the mountains

Examples of usage

  • He lived solitarily in a remote cabin in the woods.
  • She enjoyed solitarily walking along the beach at sunrise.
  • The old man spent his days solitarily, lost in his memories.
Context #2 | Adjective

characterized by being alone

Existing or living alone; without companions; unattended or isolated.

Synonyms

isolated, lonely, secluded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solitarily

Usually used in formal writing to describe doing something alone, without saying anything about the emotional state involved.

  • She worked solitarily in her office all night.
  • The artist painted solitarily in a room filled with canvases.
lonely

Describes a feeling of sadness due to lack of companionship or being alone; strongly negative emotional connotation.

  • She felt lonely after her best friend moved away.
  • Despite being in a crowded room, he couldn't shake off the lonely feeling.
isolated

Often used to describe being physically separated from others or feeling cut off from social interactions. Can have a negative connotation implying loneliness or abandonment.

  • The small village was isolated from the rest of the country.
  • After moving to a new city, he felt completely isolated and missed his friends.
secluded

Refers to a place or situation that is private and away from people; can be positive or neutral, often suggesting peace and tranquility.

  • They found a secluded beach away from the tourists.
  • The writer preferred a secluded cabin in the woods to work on his novel.

Examples of usage

  • The solitarily house on top of the hill was rumored to be haunted.
  • She preferred the solitarily lifestyle of a hermit in the mountains.
  • The solitarily figure in the distance seemed mysterious and intriguing.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being alone can sometimes help people think clearly and be more creative.
  • However, long periods of solitude can lead to feelings of loneliness or sadness for some people.

Literature

  • Many famous writers, like Emily Dickinson, found inspiration in solitude, often writing about deep themes of nature and human emotion.
  • In literature, characters are often portrayed as solitary to express their internal struggles or journeys.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures view solitude differently; some celebrate it as a time for reflection while others see it as something lonely or sad.
  • In some Eastern philosophies, being alone is often a path to enlightenment and self-discovery.

Science

  • Studies show that social interactions can boost mental health, but some forms of solitude can also lead to self-improvement and a better understanding of oneself.
  • Animal behavior scientists have observed that some species thrive in solitary environments while others flourish in groups.

Origin of 'solitarily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'solitarius', meaning 'alone'.
  • It has roots in the word 'solus', which also means 'alone' in Latin, showing a long history of describing isolation.

The word 'solitarily' originates from the Latin word 'solitarius', which means 'lonely' or 'desolate'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the state of being alone or isolated. Over the centuries, 'solitarily' has been associated with solitude, introspection, and a sense of peaceful isolation.

See also: solitariness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,180, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.