What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retreatant
Example
The retreatant spent the weekend in silence, meditating and reflecting on their life. [retreatant: noun]
Example
She decided to become a retreatant to escape the stress of her daily life. [retreatant: adjective]
recluse
Example
The old man was a recluse who rarely left his house or interacted with others. [recluse: noun]
Example
She became a recluse after the traumatic event, avoiding contact with anyone outside her immediate family. [recluse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recluse is more commonly used than retreatant in everyday language. Recluse has a negative connotation and is often used to describe someone who avoids social interaction, while retreatant is less common and is associated with a positive connotation of seeking personal growth.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retreatant and recluse?
Both retreatant and recluse are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, retreatant may be used in more formal settings such as religious or spiritual contexts, while recluse may be used in more general contexts to describe someone who avoids social interaction.
