alone

[ uh-lohn ]

adjective

1. separate, apart, or isolated from others:

   I want to be alone.

   Synonyms: unattended, unaccompanied, solitary, single

2. to the exclusion of all others or all else:

   One cannot live by bread alone.

3. unique; unequaled; unparalleled:

   He is alone among his peers in devotion to duty.

adverb

1. solitarily; solo:

   She prefers to live alone.

2. only; exclusively:

   You alone hold the key to your happiness.

3. without aid or help:

   The baby let go of the side of the crib and stood alone.

alone

/ əˈləʊn /

adjective

1. apart from another or others; solitary
2. without anyone or anything else

   one man alone could lift it

3. without equal; unique

   he stands alone in the field of microbiology

4. to the exclusion of others; only

   she alone believed him

5. leave alone or leave be or let alone or let be
   to refrain from annoying or interfering with
6. leave well alone or leave well enough alone or let well alone or let well enough alone
   to refrain from interfering with something that is satisfactory
7. let alone
   much less; not to mention

   he can't afford beer, let alone whisky

Usage Note

See leave ¹.

Other Words From

• a·lone·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of alone¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English al one all (in the sense “wholly”) one

Word History and Origins

Origin of alone¹

Old English al one, literally: all (entirely) one

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. leave / let well enough alone, to be satisfied with the existing situation; refrain from attempting to change conditions:

   Marriages are often destroyed by relatives who will not let well enough alone.

2. leave alone. leave ¹( def 18 ).
3. let alone. let ¹( def 16 ).

More idioms and phrases containing alone

see go it alone ; leave someone alone ; leave well enough alone ; let alone .

Synonym Study

Alone, lone, lonely, lonesome all imply being without companionship or association. Alone is colorless unless reinforced by all; it then suggests solitariness or desolation: alone in the house; all alone on an island. Lone is somewhat poetic or is intended humorously: a lone sentinel. Lonely implies a sad or disquieting feeling of isolation. Lonesome connotes emotion, a longing for companionship.

Example Sentences

Mack’s presence alone could be considered a victory for the Bruins.

From Los Angeles Times

"I felt maybe a little bit alone knowing that there were questions going to be asked - about potentially family questions or personal questions."

From BBC

"Many MPs are still relatively unfamiliar with normal parliamentary procedure, let alone for private members’ bills, of which this will be the first in this Parliament."

From BBC

As his voice faltered, Caroline’s rose: “I will never come see you. Never. You will die alone like a dog,” she shouted.

From BBC

Combinations of the drugs had stronger protective effects than if they were used alone.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• only
• unattended

More About Alone

What is a basic definition of alone?

Alone is an adjective that describes someone or something as being in isolation or as being unique. Alone is used as an adverb to mean something was done by a single individual. Alone has a few additional senses as an adjective and an adverb.

If you are alone, you are the only human being present in a place. Generally, alone is neither good nor bad. If it’s used in the phrase “all alone” though, it implies a sense of sadness or loneliness. Alone always describes a situation where there is exactly one thing existing apart from all others.

Real-life examples: Some animals, such as tigers, like to be alone and spend most of their lives away from others of their species. You may want to be alone in your room, away from other people. An actor might be alone on stage when giving a monologue.

Used in a sentence: I was alone in the dark, spooky room. 

Alone also describes something as being unique or being the only example of something.

Real-life examples: A championship is won by one team alone. You alone are the only one who knows how you feel.

Used in a sentence: I always feel like I am alone in my love of smelly cheese. 

Alone is also used as an adverb to mean something was done by a single individual.

Real-life examples: A widow might live alone in her house after her husband dies. A solo is when a singer or musician performs alone. Most games cannot be played alone and need at least a second player.

Used in a sentence: She likes to hike alone in the woods.

Where does alone come from?

The first records of alone come from the later 1200s. It comes from the Middle English al one, meaning “exclusively one” or “entirely one.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to alone?

• aloneness (noun)

What are some synonyms for alone?

• single
• solo
• only
• unique
• solely
• solitarily

What are some words that share a root or word element with alone? 

• lone
• leave someone alone
• leave well enough alone
• go it alone

What are some words that often get used in discussing alone?

• one
• singular
• live
• work
• isolation
• all

How is alone used in real life?

Alone is a very common word that most often describes something that involves one person or thing.

Enjoying being alone could easily become a habit of mine. Sometimes I just want to be alone with my thoughts and music.

— Haven Raven (@ARestlessHaven) December 29, 2020

If I lived alone I would walk around naked all the time

— Matthew Morales (@mattkillsswagg) December 22, 2020

We are committed to doing everything we can at the state level to fight violent crime, but we can’t do it alone. The only way we can truly make a difference is by working together.

— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 14, 2020

 

 

Try using alone!

True or False?

If a person is alone in a room, no one else is in the room with them.