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

In the absence of emotional intimacy, partners may withdraw into themselves, leading to a feeling of solitude. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

For now, in-the-know travelers can jump on the chance to experience the site in relative solitude. —Elissa Garay, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2024

Coach Thomas Hammock was going through game tape in the solitude of his office less than 12 hours after arriving back on campus in DeKalb, having given his staff and players the day off (the Huskies have an open date in Week 3). —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2024

For many, bathrooms are a sanctuary, posing as one of the few corners of the home where peace and momentary solitude can be found. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 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