solitude

noun

sol·​i·​tude ˈsä-lə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

: the quality or state of being alone or remote from society : seclusion

2

: a lonely place (such as a desert)

Synonyms

• aloneness
• insulation
• isolation
• privacy
• secludedness
• seclusion
• segregation
• separateness
• sequestration
• solitariness

Choose the Right Synonym for solitude

solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone.

solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates.

a few quiet hours of solitude

isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

seclusion suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life.

lived in pastoral seclusion

Examples of solitude in a Sentence

She wished to work on her novel in solitude.

He enjoyed the peace and solitude of the woods.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a time for introspection and self-care, so make sure to carve out space for solitude and inner wisdom to come through. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024

Delicious solitude & deep breaths. Describe your sound/aesthetic in three words.. Eclectic, vibrant, melodic. —Amanda Peukert, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024

Examples can be found throughout the rich color choices that evoke the obvious tropes laced with elements of solitude, sensuality, and even horror. —Simon Thompson, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

The traveller’s rewards are natural beauty—and silence, space, solitude—and also, no less importantly, spontaneous human-to-human contact with the locals, free of exploitation by either side. —Tyler Thier, JSTOR Daily, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin solitudin-, solitudo, from solus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

solitude

noun

sol·​i·​tude ˈsäl-ə-ˌt(y)üd 

1

: the quality or state of being alone or far-off from society : seclusion, loneliness

2

: a lonely place (as a desert)

Etymology

Middle English solitude "the state of being alone," from early French solitude (same meaning), from Latin solitudin-, solitudo (same meaning), from solus "alone" — related to desolate, sole entry 4, solo