recluse
Recluse (adj) means living apart from others; withdrawn from society. Example: “The author lived a recluse life in a remote cabin.”
How to use recluse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who withdraws from social life and lives alone, avoiding others.
Word forms
more recluse comparative, reclused past tense, recluses singular, most recluse superlative
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Can you complete this real example?
The author lived a _____ life in a remote cabin.
Etymology
From Old French reclus, from Latin recludere, which oddly originally meant "to open" — the sense flipped over time to mean someone shut away from the world.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for recluse
See all rhymes for recluse →Frequently asked questions
What does “recluse” mean?
The word “recluse” means living apart from others; withdrawn from society. In plain terms, someone who withdraws from social life and lives alone, avoiding others.
How do you pronounce “recluse”?
“Recluse” is pronounced rih-KLOOS (/ɹɪˈkluːs/ in IPA).
How do you use “recluse” in a sentence?
Here is “recluse” used in a sentence: “The author lived a recluse life in a remote cabin.”
What is another word for “recluse”?
Words with a similar meaning to “recluse” include reclusive.
What part of speech is “recluse”?
Depending on how it is used, “recluse” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “recluse” come from?
The word “recluse” comes from Latin. From Old French reclus, from Latin recludere, which oddly originally meant "to open" — the sense flipped over time to mean someone shut away from the world.
How many meanings does “recluse” have?
“Recluse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: living apart from others; withdrawn from society.
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