alone
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for alone, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — By oneself, without other people present.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use alone
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English al one, literally "all one" — contracted from Old English eall ān.
Full origin of alone →Frequently asked questions
What does “alone” mean?
The word “alone” means by oneself, without other people present. In plain terms, on your own, without anyone else — or, after a noun, "just that one thing".
How do you pronounce “alone”?
“Alone” is pronounced uh-LOHN (/əˈloʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “alone” in a sentence?
Here is “alone” used in a sentence: “He prefers to eat lunch alone.”
What part of speech is “alone”?
Depending on how it is used, “alone” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “alone” come from?
The word “alone” comes from Old English. From Middle English al one, literally "all one" — contracted from Old English eall ān.
Is “alone” a common word?
“Alone” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “alone” have?
“Alone” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: by oneself, without other people present.
What is the difference between alone and lonely?
Alone describes a simple fact — being by yourself, with no one else present. Lonely describes a feeling — the sadness of wanting company you do not have. You can be happily alone and not lonely at all, or feel deeply lonely in a crowded room. One is a state, the other an emotion.
Is being alone a bad thing?
Not at all. Being alone is simply a neutral state, and many people value it as solitude — time to rest, think, create, or recharge away from others. It only becomes hard when it turns into unwanted loneliness. For plenty of people, chosen time alone is healthy and even necessary.
What is the opposite of alone?
The opposite of alone is being together, accompanied, or in company. Where alone means no one else is present, its antonyms describe having others around — words like accompanied, surrounded, or among friends. Which fits best depends on whether you mean simply having company or being closely joined with others.