Is solitary formal or informal?

What is the difference between solitary and alone?

How is solitary different from alone?

Is solitary used in academic writing?

← Dictionary

solitary

/ˈsɒl.ɪ.tər.i/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Spending time alone; not with others.

She took a solitary walk after dinner.
He prefers solitary evenings at home.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: solitary stresses being alone by choice or situation, unlike lonely (emotional sadness). It differs from single (relationship status) and unique (one of a kind). Use solitary when focus is on physical or chosen isolation.

In other languages

Spanish: Solitario/a
Japanese: 一人の
Korean: 고독한
Vietnamese: Cô đơn
Chinese: 孤独的

Etymology

Omitted per near-neighbors lens.

Common phrases

solitary walksolitary figurespend a solitary evening

Synonyms

alone lone only isolated single

Related words

lonely single alone unique isolate

Frequently asked questions

Is solitary formal or informal?: Is solitary formal or informal?
What is the difference between solitary and alone?: How is solitary different from alone?
Can solitary describe a place?: Can solitary describe a place?
Is solitary used in academic writing?: Is solitary used in academic writing?