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 as punishment. [isolation: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of isolation after moving to a new city where she didn't know anyone. [isolation: noun]
solitude
Example
He enjoys the solitude of his cabin in the woods, where he can escape from the noise of the city. [solitude: noun]
Example
She finds solitude in reading a book by the fireplace on a rainy day. [solitude: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Solitude is less common than isolation in everyday language. Isolation is a more versatile word that covers a wider range of contexts, including social isolation, physical isolation, and emotional isolation. Solitude, on the other hand, is often used in more specific contexts of personal choice and reflection.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between isolation and solitude?
Solitude is generally considered a more formal word than isolation. It is often used in literary or poetic contexts to convey a sense of introspection and contemplation, while isolation is more commonly used in everyday language to describe a state of being alone or cut off from others.
