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

Other Word Forms

• solitudinous 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

Within two days, 40-plus miles and some 5,000 feet of elevation, I was gobsmacked by the vistas, the morning light on the canyons and the solitude on the campground — aside from the abundant wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times

But the Telegraph Neil McCormick awarded four stars, noting: "The overwhelming emotional mood is relief. It pervades the songs, a self-soothing blanket of gratitude that she has been rescued from solitude."

From BBC

Having had 35 years of relationship drama, it’s been beautiful for me to learn how to find serenity in solitude, and I don’t want to risk throwing away all the gains I’ve made.

From Los Angeles Times

I was enjoying my solitude, listening to a lot of music.

From Los Angeles Times

About two hours away from CDMX, the lakeside town became his district of solitude.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• emptiness 
• isolation 
• loneliness www.thesaurus.com
• seclusion 
• silence