alone
adjective (used predicatively)
adverb
SYNONYMS FOR alone
VIDEO FOR ALONE
WATCH NOW: We Asked These People To Explain The Saddest English Phrases
There are some words that are inherently sad and some others that, depending on context, may be even more depressing. Do you agree with the words these people believe are the saddest?
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
Idioms for alone
synonym study for alone
usage note for alone
OTHER WORDS FROM alone
a·lone·ness, nounWords nearby alone
VOCAB BUILDER
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?
What are some words that share a root or word element with alone?
What are some words that often get used in discussing alone?
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.
Example sentences from the Web for alone
Why Do “Left” And “Right” Mean Liberal And Conservative?
“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time
What Is The Difference Between “It’s” And “Its”?
What Is “GOP” Short For?
“Effectiveness” vs. “Efficacy” vs. “Efficiency”: When To Use Each Word For The Best Results
“Vaccinate” vs. “Inoculate” vs. “Immunize”: What Are The Differences?
British Dictionary definitions for alone
adjective, adverb (postpositive)
Word Origin for alone
Idioms and Phrases with alone
see go it alone; leave someone alone; leave well enough alone; let alone.