What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
loner
Example
He's always been a bit of a loner, preferring to read books rather than socialize. [loner: noun]
Example
She enjoys being a loner and spending time in nature. [loner: adjective]
hermit
Example
The old man lived like a hermit in the woods, away from civilization. [hermit: noun]
Example
She decided to become a hermit and devote her life to meditation and prayer. [hermit: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Loner is more commonly used than hermit in everyday language. Loner is a neutral term that can describe a personality trait, while hermit has a more negative connotation and is associated with extreme isolation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between loner and hermit?
Both loner and hermit are informal terms, but hermit may be considered more informal and even derogatory in some contexts.
