What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hermit
Example
The old man lived like a hermit in the mountains, away from civilization. [hermit: noun]
Example
She became a hermit after her husband passed away, preferring to be alone with her thoughts. [hermit: adjective]
recluse
Example
The famous author was known to be a recluse, rarely leaving his mansion. [recluse: noun]
Example
He became more and more reclusive after his divorce, avoiding contact with friends and family. [reclusive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recluse is more commonly used than hermit in everyday language. Recluse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hermit is less common and refers to a specific type of solitary lifestyle.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hermit and recluse?
Both hermit and recluse are associated with a formal or literary tone, but recluse is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in various formality levels.
