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Solitude Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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solitude

[หˆsษ’lษชtjuหd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

The state or situation of being alone or isolated from others.

Synonyms

isolation, loneliness, seclusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solitude

Use when referring to being alone, often in a peaceful and positive way. It suggests a choice and enjoyment in being alone.

  • She enjoyed the solitude of her mountain cabin.
  • He took a walk in the park to find some solitude.
isolation

Use when referring to being separated from others, often in a negative or forced context. It can imply a lack of connection with others.

  • The long periods of isolation were difficult for him.
  • She felt a deep sense of isolation after moving to the new city.
loneliness

Use when referring to the feeling of being alone and unhappy about it. It has a negative connotation and suggests emotional pain or longing.

  • Loneliness crept in after his friends left.
  • She struggled with intense loneliness during the holidays.
seclusion

Use when referring to isolation or being hidden away, often voluntarily but with a neutral or slightly positive connotation. It can imply privacy and distance from others.

  • He preferred the seclusion of his country home.
  • The author worked in seclusion to finish the book.

Examples of usage

  • I enjoy the peace and quiet of solitude.
  • She sought solitude in the mountains to find inner peace.
Context #2 | Noun

location

A remote or uninhabited place.

Synonyms

desolation, seclusion, wilderness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solitude

Solitude refers to the state of being alone, often by choice, and can be peaceful or meditative. It's usually positive when talking about seeking peace or self-reflection.

  • She enjoyed the solitude of her cabin in the woods.
  • Solitude helped him find clarity in his thoughts.
wilderness

Wilderness signifies an uninhabited and uncultivated region, usually a natural environment. Itโ€™s often used in contexts related to nature and adventure.

  • They explored the vast wilderness of Alaska.
  • Surviving in the wilderness requires special skills.
desolation

Desolation is a state of emptiness or loneliness that often has a negative connotation, implying abandonment, sadness, or destruction.

  • The desolation after the storm was heart-wrenching.
  • He wandered through the desolation of the ruined city.
seclusion

Seclusion refers to being hidden away or separated from others, often deliberately. It can be neutral or positive, especially when someone seeks privacy.

  • The writer sought seclusion to finish her novel.
  • They lived in seclusion far from the bustling city.

Examples of usage

  • He found a beautiful spot of solitude by the lake.
  • The cabin in the woods offered a perfect retreat into solitude.
Context #3 | Noun

state of being alone

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

Synonyms

isolation, seclusion, solitariness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solitude

Solitude is often used in a positive sense when referring to the state of being alone by choice, typically for reflection, relaxation, or creativity.

  • She enjoys the solitude of her mountain cabin.
  • He finds peace in solitude, away from the noise of the city.
solitariness

Solitariness is similar to solitude but is often less positive and can be used to describe someone who spends much of their time alone, sometimes leading to or stemming from loneliness.

  • His solitariness made it difficult for him to form close relationships.
  • The solitariness of the desert landscape was both beautiful and eerie.
seclusion

Seclusion refers to being hidden away from others. It usually implies a deliberate choice to be away from social interaction, often for privacy or safety.

  • The writer sought seclusion in a remote village to finish his novel.
  • The celebrity enjoyed a few days of seclusion in a private resort.
isolation

Isolation tends to have a negative connotation and is used when someone is separated from others without their choice, often leading to feelings of loneliness or abandonment.

  • The prisoner suffered from isolation in his tiny cell.
  • Due to the pandemic, many people experienced isolation from their friends and family.

Examples of usage

  • His preference for solitude often made him seem aloof.
  • She craved solitude after a long day of socializing.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Many philosophers, like Henry David Thoreau, believed solitude is vital for self-reflection and understanding one's thoughts.
  • Sรธren Kierkegaard suggested that true understanding can only happen in solitude, away from distractions.

Psychology

  • Research shows that spending time alone can lead to greater creativity as it provides space for original thoughts.
  • Solitude can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing individual emotional processing and calmness.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often experience solitude during pivotal moments, leading to personal growth, such as in works by Virginia Woolf.
  • Poets like Emily Dickinson found great inspiration in solitude, believing it nurtured their introspective creativity.

Nature

  • Many people seek solitude in nature to reconnect with themselves, as the quietness of forests, mountains, or beaches can be rejuvenating.
  • Animals often find solitude for survival, like when certain species isolate themselves during mating seasons or when they are sick.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, solitude is revered as an important spiritual practice, such as in Buddhism where meditation often involves solitude.
  • Conversely, in collectivist cultures, prolonged solitude may be viewed negatively, considering community and connections as vital.

Origin of 'solitude'

The word 'solitude' originated from the Latin word 'solitudo', which means 'loneliness' or 'desert'. The concept of solitude has been explored in various forms of literature and philosophy, with many finding value in moments of being alone to reflect and recharge. Solitude can be a peaceful and introspective experience, allowing individuals to connect with their inner thoughts and emotions.

See also: solitary.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,273 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.