What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
solitude
Example
She enjoyed the solitude of her mountain cabin. [solitude: noun]
Example
He sought solitude in the park to clear his mind. [solitude: noun]
loneliness
Example
She felt a deep sense of loneliness after moving to a new city. [loneliness: noun]
Example
He struggled with loneliness after his divorce. [loneliness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Loneliness is more commonly used than solitude in everyday language. Loneliness is a common emotion that people experience, while solitude is a less common state that people intentionally seek out.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between solitude and loneliness?
Both solitude and loneliness can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but solitude may be more appropriate in formal writing due to its positive connotation.
