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Solitariness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ
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solitariness

[หŒsษ’l.ษชหˆteษ™r.i.nษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of being alone

The state or quality of being alone or remote from others; solitude.

Synonyms

isolation, loneliness, seclusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solitariness

Describes the state of being alone or having no company, but without the negative emotions that might come with loneliness. Often used in a neutral or even positive sense.

  • He appreciated the solitariness of his mountain cabin, where he could relax and think.
loneliness

Describes a painful feeling of having no friends or company, accompanied by sadness. It has a strongly negative connotation.

  • After moving to a new city, he was overcome by feelings of loneliness.
  • The elderly often experience loneliness, especially when living alone.
isolation

Refers to being separated from others, often involuntarily. It can have negative implications and might be used when talking about social detachment or quarantine.

  • The long isolation during the pandemic was difficult for many people.
  • His isolation from society led to a deeper sense of despair.
seclusion

Refers to being hidden away from others, often by choice. It can be neutral or positive if someone desires privacy.

  • She sought seclusion in the countryside to finish her book.
  • The monk lived in seclusion to meditate and pray.

Examples of usage

  • I have always found comfort in the solitariness of the mountains.
  • His solitariness led him to seek companionship in books.
  • She craved human interaction, but her solitariness kept her isolated.
Context #2 | Noun

state of being single

The state or quality of being single or unmarried.

Synonyms

celibacy, singleness, unmarried status.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solitariness

Solitariness describes a state or quality of being alone, often without implying any specific reason or context. It can refer to physical isolation or to an inner sense of being alone.

  • He enjoyed the solitariness of hiking in the mountains.
  • Her solitariness was apparent even in crowded rooms.
singleness

Singleness refers to the state of being single and is often used to describe a person who is not in a romantic relationship or married. It does not carry a negative connotation and can be used in various social and personal contexts.

  • She embraced her singleness as a time for self-discovery.
  • His singleness allowed him to travel and focus on his career.
unmarried status

Unmarried status is a formal and neutral term that describes someone who is not married. It is often used in legal, official, or demographic contexts.

  • According to the survey, the majority of the population is of unmarried status.
  • She indicated her unmarried status on the application form.
celibacy

Celibacy refers to abstaining from marriage and often from sexual relations for religious or personal reasons. This term is frequently used in contexts involving religious vows or personal commitment to remaining unmarried.

  • The monk took a vow of celibacy as part of his spiritual practice.
  • She chose celibacy after the end of a long relationship.

Examples of usage

  • Her solitariness was a choice she made after a series of failed relationships.
  • The solitariness of his life allowed him the freedom to pursue his passions.
  • In a society that values relationships, her solitariness was often misunderstood.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that both positive and negative feelings can arise from solitariness; some find it peaceful, while others may feel lonely.
  • It is linked to self-discovery and creativity, as many artists and writers find inspiration during solitary times.
  • Too much solitariness, however, can lead to feelings of isolation and depression if not balanced with social interaction.

Literature

  • Many authors, like Henry David Thoreau in 'Walden', celebrated solitariness as a pathway to deeper understanding.
  • In Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'The Yellow Wallpaper,' the protagonistโ€™s solitariness becomes a major theme reflecting mental health struggles.
  • Poets often use solitariness as a motif to explore themes of introspection and existential thought.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Solitude' by Billie Holiday capture the emotional complexities of being alone.
  • The theme of solitariness is explored in movies like 'Lost in Translation' and 'Into the Wild,' highlighting the journey of self-discovery.
  • Famous artworks, such as Edward Hopperโ€™s 'Nighthawks,' visually depict solitariness, often invoking feelings of loneliness despite being surrounded by others.

Science

  • Studies in behavioral ecology show that some animals, such as certain birds, thrive in solitariness, while others prefer social living.
  • Neuroscience research indicates that time spent alone can lead to increased levels of creativity and problem-solving skills in humans.
  • In the context of evolution, solitary habits were often necessary for survival in some species, influencing their growth and adaptation.

Origin of 'solitariness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'solitarius,' meaning 'alone' or 'single'.
  • In medieval times, the term was often associated with monks living in seclusion to pray and reflect.
  • It has evolved to encompass not just physical solitude but also emotional and psychological aspects of being alone.

The word 'solitariness' traces its origins back to the Middle English period, where it was derived from the Old French word 'solitaire' meaning 'alone' or 'solitary'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both the feeling of being alone and the state of being single. The concept of solitariness has been explored in various literary works and philosophical discussions, reflecting the complex nature of human solitude.

See also: solitarily.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,034, 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.