hermit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hermit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who lives in seclusion or prefers to be alone, often for religious or philosophical reasons. Example: "After years of living in the bustling city, he decided to become a hermit in the mountains, seeking peace and solitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

By the end of my month, I am a news hermit, and slightly anxious about coming out of my cave.

The Guardian

Late medieval artists were fascinated by the story of the early Christian hermit Saint Anthony the Great who was tempted by devils.

The Guardian

One of the reasons China continues to provide the hermit kingdom with energy and food aid is the fear of what a Kim regime facing collapse might do with its nukes.

The Economist

There, Mr Bush interrupted international efforts to get the hermit kingdom to abandon its missile-selling ambitions by demanding greater openness.

The Economist

In November, Congress beat the BJP in three state elections, which made the party think it could do the same at the centre.In this section A peaceful change in Fiji Echoes from the hermit kingdom Riding the tiger No vacancies in Hong Kong Seventh wonder Indonesia's opposition revs up The trouble with Sonia ReprintsThese achievements are now in jeopardy.

The Economist

"Peter the hermit was not a hermit at all," he writes, "but a malodorous monk from Amiens".

The Economist

Despite the signs that North Korea's web culture is ready to take off, internet-juche remains a reassuring form of control in the hermit regime.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

In mid-March America said it had finished its investigation, but it still hasn't sent the cash (a small sum for most countries; a hermit-king's ransom for North Korea).

The Economist

But there was nothing hermit-like about their lives.

The Economist

But these visitors tend to stay only a few days, spend little and are concentrated in a few, already-wealthy parts of the country.The idea of creating a tourist industry in the conservative, hermit-like kingdom is risible to many.

The Economist

By the time the half-starved Lucy is discovered, the incompetent local lawyer is unable to trace them.Lucy grows up, hermit-like, in the old house with two loyal family retainers who remain there.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "hermit", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to someone living in religious seclusion or someone who simply prefers a solitary lifestyle.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone described as a "hermit" is necessarily unhappy or maladjusted. Their isolation may be a deliberate choice for spiritual, philosophical, or personal growth.

Linguistic Context

The word "hermit" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a person who lives in solitude, often for religious reasons. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it describing both individuals and metaphorical situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hermit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes an individual living in seclusion, often for religious or philosophical reasons, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to characterize a solitary lifestyle. While alternatives like "recluse" and "loner" exist, "hermit" often carries specific connotations of spiritual or intentional isolation. When writing, ensure the context appropriately reflects the reason for the individual's seclusion, and avoid assuming negative attributes. Overall, it's a descriptive and widely understood term that writers can confidently use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recluse

Similar meaning of someone who lives in seclusion, often by choice but can sometimes imply a sense of avoidance or fear.

loner

Focuses more on the characteristic of preferring solitude and independence, without necessarily implying complete isolation.

solitary

Highlights the state of being alone or single, often emphasizing a sense of peace or contentment in solitude.

solitudinarian

A person who prefers or habitually lives in solitude.

anchorite

Specifically refers to someone who withdraws from the world for religious reasons, often living in extreme isolation.

eremite

Another term for a religious hermit, often used interchangeably with anchorite but can also refer to someone living in spiritual solitude.

isolated individual

Emphasizes the state of being separated from others, often due to circumstances or external factors rather than personal choice.

withdrawn person

Highlights the act of retreating from social interaction, often due to shyness, anxiety, or disinterest.

self-isolator

Describes someone who intentionally isolates themselves, often temporarily, for health or personal reasons.

troglodyte

Implies a primitive or reclusive lifestyle, often living in a cave or other secluded dwelling.

FAQs

How to use "hermit" in a sentence?

You can use "hermit" to describe someone who lives in seclusion, such as: "He decided to live as a "hermit" in the mountains." It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who avoids social interaction.

What can I say instead of "hermit"?

You can use alternatives like "recluse", "loner", or "solitary person" depending on the context. "Anchorite" and "eremite" are specific to religious recluses.

Which is correct, "hermit" or "hermit-like"?

"Hermit" is a noun referring to the person, while "hermit-like" is an adjective describing something resembling a "hermit" or their lifestyle. Example: "He lived a "hermit-like" existence."

What's the difference between "hermit" and "recluse"?

While both terms describe someone who lives in seclusion, "hermit" often implies a religious or philosophical motivation, while "recluse" can simply refer to someone who avoids social interaction for any reason.