What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lonely
Example
She felt lonely after moving to a new city where she didn't know anyone. [lonely: adjective]
Example
The abandoned house looked lonely on the hilltop. [lonely: adjective]
Example
He spent his birthday alone and felt lonely without his family. [lonely: adverb]
solitary
Example
She enjoyed solitary walks in the park to clear her mind. [solitary: adjective]
Example
The solitary wolf roamed the forest alone. [solitary: adjective]
Example
Reading is a solitary activity that she enjoys in her free time. [solitary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lonely is more commonly used than solitary in everyday language. Lonely is a common emotion that many people experience, while solitary is a less common preference for being alone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lonely and solitary?
Both lonely and solitary are versatile words that can be used in various formality levels, but lonely is more commonly used in informal contexts to express emotions, while solitary can be used in more formal contexts to describe preferences or activities.
