solitude

[ sol-i-tood, -tyood ]

noun

1. the state of being or living alone; seclusion:

   to enjoy one's solitude.

   Synonyms: privacy, retirement

2. remoteness from habitations, as of a place; absence of human activity:

   the solitude of the mountains.

   Synonyms: loneliness

3. a lonely, unfrequented place:

   a solitude in the mountains.

   Synonyms: wilderness, desert

solitude

/ ˈsɒlɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. the state of being solitary or secluded
2. poetic.
   a solitary place

Derived Forms

• ˌsoliˈtudinous, adjective

Other Words From

• sol·i·tu·di·nous [sol-i-, tood, -n-, uh, s, -, tyood, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of solitude¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin sōlitūdō. See soli- ¹, -tude

Word History and Origins

Origin of solitude¹

C14: from Latin sōlitūdō, from sōlus alone, sole ¹

Synonym Study

Solitude, isolation refer to a state of being or living alone. Solitude emphasizes the quality of being or feeling lonely and deserted: to live in solitude. Isolation may mean merely a detachment and separation from others: to be put in isolation with an infectious disease.

Example Sentences

From her relative solitude, Raducanu has been thrust back into the energetic team environment.

From BBC

So when I looked back on the Hitchcock films, I was seeing loneliness, solitude, and fulfillment in his work.

From Salon

When you have three teenagers and are doing big business endeavors, finding that solitude and planning the week is one of those things that we really need as a couple.

From Los Angeles Times

And perhaps because he knows that there will be plenty of time later for stoicism and solitude.

From Los Angeles Times

“This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• emptiness
• isolation
• loneliness
• seclusion
• silence