solitude
SO-lih-tyood
Solitude (noun) means the state of being alone, whether by choice or circumstance. Example: “He craved solitude after weeks of noisy meetings.”
noun
1
The state of being alone, whether by choice or circumstance.
"He craved solitude after weeks of noisy meetings."
"Writers often need solitude to concentrate."
2
A remote, deserted place.
"They retreated to a solitude deep in the mountains."
How to use solitude
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing on your own, usually peacefully rather than sadly.
Common mistake
Solitude usually implies a chosen, restful kind of aloneness, whereas "loneliness" implies unwanted isolation and sadness.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
seek solitude
in solitude
the solitude of the desert
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Word forms
- Plural
- solitudes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He craved _____ after weeks of noisy meetings.
Etymology
From Latin sōlitūdō, "loneliness", built from sōlus, "alone".
Synonyms
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purdah
aloneness
isolation
loneliness
loneness
onehead
oneship
onlyhood
onliness
seclusion
solitariness
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for solitude
See all rhymes for solitude →Frequently asked questions
What does “solitude” mean?
The word “solitude” means the state of being alone, whether by choice or circumstance. In plain terms, being on your own, usually peacefully rather than sadly.
How do you pronounce “solitude”?
“Solitude” is pronounced SO-lih-tyood (/ˈsɑlɪˌtud/ in IPA).
How do you use “solitude” in a sentence?
Here is “solitude” used in a sentence: “He craved solitude after weeks of noisy meetings.”
What is another word for “solitude”?
Words with a similar meaning to “solitude” include aloneness, isolation, loneliness, loneness, onehead and oneship.
What is the opposite of “solitude”?
The opposite of “solitude” — its antonyms — are closeness, intimacy and togetherness.
What part of speech is “solitude”?
“Solitude” is a noun.
Where does the word “solitude” come from?
The word “solitude” comes from Latin. From Latin sōlitūdō, "loneliness", built from sōlus, "alone".
Is “solitude” a common word?
“Solitude” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
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