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Added 9 October 2026

solitary

/ˈsɑlɪˌtɛɹi/ noun

Categories: Describing WordsPeopleUncommon Words

In Latin: solitarius Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about solitary at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. Confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners.
    he was held in solitary
  2. One who lives in solitude.

adjective

  1. Characterized by or preferring solitude.
    a lone wolf
  2. Of plants and animals; not growing or living in groups or colonies.
    solitary bees
  3. Lacking companions or companionship.
    he was alone when we met him

Origin

From Middle English solitarie, borrowed from Latin sōlitārius. Doublet of solitaire.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: eremiticlonealoneonlylonesomelonelysinglesolenongregariousnonsocialungregariousunsocial

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