solitude
gb/sˈɑlətˌud/ us/sˈɑlətˌud/
B2
English
~ 3800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
state
1
state of being alone
When you are alone and not with other people.
Usage pattern:
in [someone's] solitude
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'solitude' with 'loneliness'. 'Solitude' can be positive and chosen, while 'loneliness' is usually negative and unwanted.
Synonyms
isolation (Can imply being cut off from others, sometimes against one's will, whereas 'solitude' can be chosen and positive.)
|
seclusion (Often used for being hidden away from view, sometimes for privacy or safety.)
Antonyms
company (Refers to the presence of other people, which is the opposite of being alone.)
|
companionship (Suggests friendly association with others, contrasting with being alone.)
Collocations
peaceful solitude
|seek solitude
|enjoy solitude
|in solitude
|solitude and silence
Themes
emotions
|lifestyle
|mental health
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She enjoys the solitude of her mountain cabin.
- After a busy week, he longed for some solitude.
- The artist worked in complete solitude for months.
- Solitude can be refreshing for the mind.
- He found peace in the solitude of the forest.
Learner examples
- I like the solitude of my room.
- He sits in solitude by the lake.
- She wants some solitude to read her book.
- Solitude helps me think clearly.
- The man lives in solitude in the hills.
Grammar
Dictionary form
solitude
IPA
GB/sˈɑlətˌud/
US/sˈɑlətˌud/
Syllables & stress
solitude (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (solitude)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: solitude
- Plural: solitude, solitudes
Word family
Expressions
in solitude
1/ˈɪn sˈɑlətˌud/
fixed phrase
while being alone
When someone is alone and not with other people.
Examples
- He wrote the book in solitude at a remote cabin.
- She prefers to work in solitude to avoid distractions.
peaceful solitude
1/pˈisfəl sˈɑlətˌud/
fixed phrase
calm and pleasant aloneness
A calm and nice feeling when you are alone.
Examples
- I enjoy the peaceful solitude of early mornings.
- The beach offered peaceful solitude away from the crowds.
seek solitude
1/sˈik sˈɑlətˌud/
fixed phrase
try to be alone
To try to be alone and away from other people.
Examples
- Sometimes I seek solitude to clear my mind.
- After the meeting, he sought solitude in the garden.