seclude

USAGE SUMMARY

'seclude' is a valid word in written English.
It is a verb, and it means to isolate oneself or something from the outside world. Example sentence: After a stressful day at work, I decided to seclude myself in my bedroom for some peace and quiet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It is rumoured that she will seclude herself at Windsor Castle until the horse-trading is concluded.

The Guardian

They train at a seminary, a theological college, and do not take vows of poverty or seclude themselves from the outside world.

The Economist

Immigrants arrived in such quantities in the 1980s and 1990s that they can seclude themselves in ethnic enclaves rather than merging into the mainstream.

The Economist

Right now, aides and friends say, Hillary Rodham Clinton's plan looks like this: exit the State Department shortly after Inauguration Day and then seclude herself to rest and reflect on what she wants to do for the next few years.

The New York Times

"They seclude themselves," said Mr. Catala, who has lived in Coney Island nearly his entire life.

The New York Times

I just ended up feeling nothing better encapsulated my mind space when working on the record than that, because I really tried to seclude myself and immerse in work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

1/1-13 University Ave, Canberra 11am: Sculpture at the National Gallery of Australia By all means, take a quick tour of the gallery itself (the works by Pollock, Bacon and Hockney are stellar, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection is, understandably, the best in the world), but save some time for the secluded sculpture garden, which most visitors skip over.

The Guardian - Travel

The house is secluded in a bird-filled garden near the water's edge, with its own pier and boat, a 150m stroll from tiny Salvador Moreira beach.

The Guardian - Travel

I found my own personal Eden in the Laguna de la Cocha, a secluded lake outside the far southern town of Pasto, surrounded by flower-filled meadows and forested mountains, and with a Swiss-style wooden lodge where I ate delicious trout before being rowed out to the island of Corota.

The Guardian - Travel

Concerns about the ethics of travelling to North Korea and contributing to the economy of authoritarian regime have been raised, but those who defend the industry say that any interaction with otherwise secluded citizens can only be positive.

The Guardian

Mr Meciar spends much of his time secluded in an opulent spa-town estate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seclude" when you want to emphasize a deliberate act of withdrawing from society or external influences, often for privacy, reflection, or protection.

Common error

Avoid using "seclude" when simply describing someone being alone or preferring their own company. "Seclude" carries a stronger connotation of deliberate withdrawal for a specific reason, not just a general preference for solitude.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seclude" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of withdrawing or isolating someone or something from others. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it often involves a conscious decision to separate oneself.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seclude" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb signifying the act of withdrawing or isolating oneself. Analysis of Ludwig examples indicates that "seclude" functions primarily as a transitive verb, conveying a deliberate act of separation. Its usage spans diverse contexts, especially appearing in News & Media and Encyclopedias, carrying a neutral register. It's essential to utilize "seclude" when expressing a conscious decision to withdraw for purposes like privacy or reflection, and to refrain from using it when simply describing someone who enjoys being alone, as that loses the sense of intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isolate oneself

Focuses on the act of separating oneself from others, emphasizing personal agency.

withdraw from society

Highlights a deliberate removal from social interactions and communal life.

sequester oneself

Implies a formal or enforced separation, often for protection or study.

retreat into solitude

Suggests seeking peace and quiet by entering a state of being alone.

keep apart from others

Emphasizes maintaining distance and avoiding contact with people.

shut oneself away

Highlights the physical act of closing off from the external world.

go into seclusion

Indicates a deliberate decision to enter a state of privacy and isolation.

cocoon oneself

Suggests a protective and comforting form of self-isolation.

remain in isolation

Focuses on the state of being separate and detached from others over a period of time.

cut oneself off

Implies a decisive action to end communication and interaction with the outside world.

FAQs

How can I use "seclude" in a sentence?

You can use "seclude" to describe someone withdrawing from society, like: "The author decided to "seclude" himself in a cabin to finish his novel."

What are some synonyms for "seclude"?

Some synonyms for "seclude" include "isolate oneself", "withdraw from society", and "sequester oneself". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "seclude" and "isolate"?

"Seclude" often implies a deliberate and sometimes voluntary withdrawal, while "isolate" can suggest a forced or unintentional separation. You might "seclude" yourself for privacy, but be "isolated" due to a disease.

Is it more common to "seclude oneself" or to "be secluded"?

Both phrases are used, but "seclude oneself" emphasizes the act of withdrawing, while "be secluded" describes the state of being isolated or hidden, as in "a "secluded location"".