Solitary
/ˈsɒlɪtəri/
Meaning & Definition
noun
a person who lives alone or spends a lot of time alone.
Though a solitary by nature, he occasionally enjoyed the company of friends.
a game of cards played with a single player.
She played a game of solitary to unwind after a long day.
adjective
done or existing alone; without companions.
He led a solitary life in the mountains, away from the noise of the city.
separated from others; isolated.
The solitary tree stood alone on the hill, a stark contrast to the clouded sky.
occurring alone; single; not accompanied.
She found a solitary moment to reflect on her day amid the chaos.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old French 'solitaire', from Latin 'solitarius', from 'sollus' (alone).
Common Phrases and Expressions
solitary confinement
A form of imprisonment in which an inmate is isolated from any human contact, except for members of prison staff.
solitary tree
A single tree located in an open space, often acting as a landmark.
solitary journey
A trip taken alone, often for purposes of reflection or personal exploration.
Related Words
solitude
The state of being alone or isolated.
hermit
A person who lives in solitude, often for religious reasons.
loneliness
The state of being alone and feeling sad about it.
Slang Meanings
A chill vibe or time alone.
I'm just enjoying some solitary chill time this weekend.
Referring to someone who prefers to be alone.
He's kind of a lone wolf, always in his solitary zone.