Solitarily: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "solitarily" in other languages:

🇵🇹 solitariamente

🇮🇳 अकेले

🇩🇪 einsam

🇮🇩 sendirian

🇺🇦 самотньо

🇵🇱 samotnie

🇯🇵 孤独に

🇫🇷 solitairement

🇪🇸 solitariamente

🇹🇷 tek başına

🇰🇷 혼자서

🇸🇦 وحيداً

🇨🇿 osaměle

🇸🇰 osamelo

🇨🇳 孤独地

🇸🇮 samotno

🇮🇸 einangrað

🇰🇿 жалғыз

🇬🇪 მარტო

🇦🇿 təkbaşına

🇲🇽 solitariamente

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.

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39177 orison
39178 detouring
39179 cohabitant
39180 solitarily
39181 cig
39182 judiciousness
39183 electroplate
...