solitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "solitude" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a state of being alone and isolated. For example: "I found peace in the solitude of the woods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clamber carefully down to Playa del Canuelo for perfect solitude, then potter on via Ensenada de Bolonia, Valdevaqueros and Punta de la Peña all the way to Playa de los Lances at Tarifa.

The Guardian - Travel

I email a friendly writer who has written about the benefits of cutting down on outside input, the advantages of withdrawal and solitude.

The Guardian

Shaded by rows of oak and poplar trees, they form not only the place of peaceful interment for hundreds, but one of contemplation and reflection for anyone seeking solace and solitude.

The Guardian

Related: 100 days of solitude: Syriza struggles as Greeks once again stare into the abyss The warnings came as the European commission slashed its forecast for Greece's growth rate this year, predicting the economy would expand by a mere 0.5%, compared with the 2.5% it had projected barely three months ago.

The Guardian

I am solitary by nature, and solitude isn't a vice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It deals with the same issues of solitude and the value of life in a far more interesting way because Chandor doesn't spoon-feed emotion to his audience the way Cuarón does.

The Guardian - Film

Related: 100 days of solitude: Syriza struggles as Greeks once again stare into the abyss On Monday, the Greek labour minister, Panos Skourletis, singled out the IMF as "inflexible" and "extreme", saying the creditor was demanding pension cuts and opposing a government plan to raise the minimum wage.

The Guardian - Business

Embrace the solitude at Finca Malvasia, four white cottages surrounded by fields of black ash.

The Guardian - Travel

After all, excess solitude has curdled my personality and my long-term health might be at risk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And yes, you face an academic solitude, without the guidance of teachers.

The Guardian

The solitude is the experience – it's where you discover the game you always wanted to play but didn't realise it.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solitude" when you want to emphasize the positive aspects of being alone, such as peace, reflection, and self-discovery. Avoid using it if the context implies loneliness or isolation, which carry negative connotations.

Common error

Don't use "solitude" interchangeably with "loneliness". "Solitude" implies a chosen state of being alone, often for positive reasons, while "loneliness" describes a feeling of sadness and isolation, even when surrounded by others.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "solitude" is that of a noun. It refers to the state of being alone or the quality of being isolated. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from seeking "solitude" in nature to experiencing academic "solitude".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solitude" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state of being alone, often for peaceful reflection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While its usage spans from formal to informal contexts, it's crucial to differentiate it from "loneliness", which carries negative implications. Key related phrases include "being alone", "seclusion", and "privacy". "Solitude" frequently appears in news and media, business, and science related articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aloneness

A more direct synonym emphasizing the lack of companionship.

being by oneself

Focuses on the individual's state of not needing or having anyone else around.

being alone

Focuses on the state of being without company, a core aspect of "solitude".

seclusion

Implies a deliberate withdrawal from society or contact with others.

state of isolation

Highlights the separation from others, emphasizing the feeling of being cut off.

privacy

Highlights the state of being free from public attention or intrusion.

reclusion

A stronger form of seclusion, suggesting a more permanent and deliberate withdrawal from society.

peacefulness

Emphasizes the tranquility and calm often associated with being in "solitude".

quietude

Stresses the stillness and lack of disturbance present in "solitude".

remoteness

Highlights the physical distance and separation from others, often in a geographical sense.

FAQs

How to use "solitude" in a sentence?

You can use "solitude" to describe a state of being alone, often associated with peace and reflection. For example: "She found solace in the "peacefulness" of her "aloneness"."

What can I say instead of "solitude"?

You can use alternatives like "being alone", "seclusion", or "privacy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "solitude" or "loneliness"?

"Solitude" and "loneliness" are both correct words, but they have different meanings. "Solitude" refers to a state of being alone, often by choice, while "loneliness" refers to the feeling of being isolated and sad.

What's the difference between "solitude" and "isolation"?

"Solitude" often implies a voluntary state of being alone, sought for reflection or peace. "Isolation" can be involuntary and often carries negative connotations of being cut off or separated.