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Solitude: meaning, definitions and examples

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solitude

[ˈsɒlɪtjuːd ]

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?

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?

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. It’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?

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

Translations of the word "solitude" in other languages:

🇵🇹 solidão

🇮🇳 अकेलापन

🇩🇪 Einsamkeit

🇮🇩 kesendirian

🇺🇦 самотність

🇵🇱 samotność

🇯🇵 孤独 (kodoku)

🇫🇷 solitude

🇪🇸 soledad

🇹🇷 yalnızlık

🇰🇷 고독 (godok)

🇸🇦 عزلة (ʿuzla)

🇨🇿 samota

🇸🇰 samota

🇨🇳 孤独 (gūdú)

🇸🇮 osamljenost

🇮🇸 einvera

🇰🇿 жалғыздық

🇬🇪 მარტოობა (mart'ooba)

🇦🇿 tənhalıq

🇲🇽 soledad

Etymology

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.

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.

...
9270 correcting
9271 harassment
9272 attractions
9273 solitude
9274 interfered
9275 migrant
9276 athletes
...