solitude

/ˈsɒlətjuːd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɑːlətuːd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsä-lə-ˌtüd -ˌtyüd/ (ame, mw)

solitude — noun

1. the experience of being away from other people, often by choice and for the sake

1.名詞B2
釋義

the experience of being away from other people, often by choice and for the sake of quiet or reflection

例句

After a long week, Eitan looked forward to the solitude of his weekend cabin.

collocation: the solitude of

Many writers and painters rely on solitude to develop their best ideas.

collocation: rely on solitude

同義詞
  • seclusion

    suggests being hidden or withdrawn from others, often in a private space

  • privacy

    focuses on not being observed or disturbed, rather than physical aloneness

  • isolation

    more neutral or negative; can imply enforced rather than chosen aloneness

反義詞

文法句型

in solitude

the solitude of + noun phrase

enjoy/need/value solitude

用法筆記

Distinguish from 'loneliness' — solitude usually suggests a chosen or agreeable aloneness, whereas loneliness carries a sense of sadness at being without company. Adding verbs like 'enjoy', 'value', or 'need' makes the positive connotation explicit.

常見錯誤

❌I felt solitude when my friends left the party.
✅I felt lonely when my friends left the party.
💡'Solitude' is a neutral or positive state; 'loneliness' is the correct word for the sadness of being without others.
❌I had a solitude in the park.
✅I enjoyed some solitude in the park.
💡'Solitude' is uncountable in this sense; avoid using 'a' before it.

2. a place that is far from people and human activity, especially one that feels qu

2.名詞C1
釋義

a place that is far from people and human activity, especially one that feels quiet or empty

例句

Diego found a quiet solitude in the desert where he could study the stars.

countable use: a solitude

The mountain hut was a solitude that only the most determined hikers ever reached.

countable use with relative clause

同義詞
  • retreat

    a place one goes to for rest or safety; implies purpose and refuge

  • hideaway

    more informal, suggests a small or secret place

  • wilderness

    a wild, natural area; larger and less inhabited than a solitude

文法句型

a solitude

the solitude of + place name

用法筆記

This countable sense is rare and mostly appears in literary or descriptive writing. In everyday speech, speakers would typically use 'a lonely place' or 'a remote spot' instead.

常見錯誤

❌I need a solitude to think clearly.
✅I need solitude to think clearly.
💡The uncountable sense is far more common; reserve the countable 'a solitude' for literary descriptions of a place.