noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

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

The state of being alone, whether by choice or circumstance.

"He craved solitude after weeks of noisy meetings."

"Writers often need solitude to concentrate."

A remote, deserted place.

"They retreated to a solitude deep in the mountains."

How to use solitude

Learner’s notes

In 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

loneliness →

Common pairings

seek solitude in solitude the solitude of the desert

Word forms

solitudes plural

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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".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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aloneness isolation loneliness loneness onehead oneship onlyhood onliness seclusion solitariness

Antonyms

closeness intimacy togetherness

Related words

context friendship privacy density unity hiding separation isolation

Rhymes for solitude

nude rude dude Jude crude prude exude elude Maude Laude delude Claude

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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