Solitary
Existing or living alone; without companions; characterized by solitude or isolation.
adjectiveSolitary
Existing or living alone; without companions; characterized by solitude or isolation.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a solitary lighthouse standing on a rugged cliff, with crashing waves and no other buildings in sight; a single beacon guiding ships through the fog.
Sounds Like
SOL-i-ter-ee
Looks Like
resembles 'solo' or 'sole'—visual cue of being one or alone (soli- tary)
Remember This
Originates from Latin solitarius meaning 'alone', from solus meaning 'alone'. Common in phrases like solitary confinement or a solitary life.
Other Forms
Connect With
alone, isolated, lone, secluded, reclusive, solitude, isolation, solitary confinement
Note
Do not confuse with 'solace' (comfort) or 'solidarity' (mutual support). In most contexts, solitary describes being alone rather than sociable.