Solitary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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solitary

[ˈsɒl.ɪ.tər.i ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

done or existing alone; without other people

Synonyms

isolated, lonely, secluded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
solitary	Use 'solitary' when referring to a state of being alone without necessarily implying sadness or negative emotions. It is often used in formal contexts or to describe things that are inherently meant to be alone. He enjoyed his solitary walks in the park. A solitary tree stood in the middle of the field.
lonely	'Lonely' is typically used when describing a feeling of sadness due to being alone or disconnected from others. It strongly suggests negative emotions and personal unhappiness. He felt lonely after his best friend moved away. The old man lived a lonely life with no family or friends.
secluded	'Secluded' is used to describe a place that is quiet, private, and apart from other people or activities. It often has a neutral or positive connotation, implying a peaceful retreat. They found a secluded spot on the beach to have a picnic. The cabin is situated in a secluded area, perfect for relaxing.
isolated	'Isolated' conveys a sense of being separated from others, often geographically or socially. It can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of connection or support. The village is isolated from the rest of the world by a mountain range. She felt isolated after moving to a new city where she knew no one.

Examples of usage

She enjoyed the solitary life in the countryside.
He preferred solitary activities like reading and painting.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

a person who lives alone or keeps to themselves

Synonyms

hermit, loner, recluse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
solitary	This word is often used to describe someone who prefers to spend time alone. It can also refer to a situation or place that is isolated. The word does not generally carry a negative connotation. He enjoyed his solitary walks in the park The solitary cabin in the woods was perfect for a weekend getaway
recluse	Used for someone who lives a solitary life and avoids other people. It carries a stronger connotation than 'loner,' often suggesting a deliberate choice to withdraw from society. The famous author became a recluse, rarely appearing in public After his wife's death, he turned into a recluse, shutting himself off from the world
hermit	This refers to someone who lives in seclusion, often for religious or spiritual reasons. It usually implies a more extreme form of isolation compared to simply being alone. The monk became a hermit, living alone in the mountains She lived like a hermit, rarely coming into the village
loner	This term describes a person who prefers to be alone and may have few friends. It can have a slightly negative connotation, implying social withdrawal or difficulty in forming relationships. He has always been a bit of a loner, preferring to stay home with his books In school, she was considered a loner because she rarely joined group activities

Examples of usage

The old man was a solitary who rarely interacted with his neighbors.
She was considered a solitary, as she rarely attended social gatherings.

Translations

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

Origin of 'solitary'

The word 'solitary' has its origins in the Latin word 'solitarius', meaning 'lonely' or 'alone'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of being alone or secluded. In English, 'solitary' first appeared in the 14th century to describe something existing or done alone. The concept of solitude has been explored in various literary works, highlighting both the peace and isolation that can accompany being solitary.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,287 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6284 closest
6285 neighboring
6286 magistrate
6287 solitary
6288 recipients
6289 disclose
6290 horn
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