What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
isolation
Example
The prisoner was kept in isolation for several days. [isolation: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of isolation after moving to a new city. [isolation: noun]
seclusion
Example
The writer sought seclusion in the mountains to finish his book. [seclusion: noun]
Example
She enjoyed the seclusion of her cabin in the woods. [seclusion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Isolation is more commonly used than seclusion in everyday language. Isolation is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while seclusion is more specific and often used in the context of a physical location.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between isolation and seclusion?
Both isolation and seclusion can be used in formal or informal contexts, but seclusion may be considered more formal due to its association with privacy and exclusivity.
