What is solitary? Pronunciation and usage in English

solitary means . Learn how to pronounce and use solitary through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of solitary

solitaryadjective

/ˈsɒlətri//ˈsɑːləteri/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "solitary." It's a tricky one because it sounds a bit different from how it's spelled. Here's a breakdown:

1. Initial Sound: "Sol"

  • "Sol" sounds like "soul" – just like the word "soul." It's a short, clear "oh" sound.

2. "i-ta-ry"

  • "i-ta": This part is where many people stumble. It sounds like "ih-tah." The "i" is a short "ih" sound (like in "bit"). The "ta" is like the "ta" in "father."
  • "ry": This is pronounced like "ree" – as in "tree."

Putting it all together:

Sōl-ih-tah-ree

(With emphasis on the "oh" in "sol" and the "ah" in "ta")

Tips for getting it right:

Would you like me to:

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  • Give you some example sentences using the word "solitary"?

Usage and examples with the word solitary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "solitary" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different shades of meaning. Here's a breakdown of its uses, along with examples:

1. Primarily Meaning: Lonely or Isolated

  • Core Use: This is the most common understanding of "solitary." It describes someone or something that is alone, lacking companionship.
    • Example: “He lived a solitary life, spending most of his days reading and gardening.” (He was lonely and preferred being alone.)
    • Example: “The solitary island seemed to stretch out into the vast ocean.” (The island was remote and isolated.)
  • Synonyms: lonely, isolated, alone, single, withdrawn.

2. Meaning: Characterized by Self-Reliance and Independence

  • More Formal & Nuanced: “Solitary” can also describe someone who is self-sufficient, independent, and doesn’t rely on others. This usage often implies a positive trait – someone who’s resourceful and doesn't need constant validation.
    • Example: "The artist was known for her solitary style, creating her masterpieces entirely on her own." (She was a self-reliant and independent artist.)
    • Example: “A solitary wolf, he preferred to make his own decisions.” (He was independent and didn’t take advice easily.)
  • Synonyms: independent, self-reliant, autonomous, solitary (as an adjective, emphasizing independence - e.g., “a solitary existence”)

3. Meaning: Relating to a Single Being or Object

  • Describing Creatures/Animals: It can describe wild animals or creatures that live alone.
    • Example: “The solitary bear wandered through the forest.”
  • Describing Events: Sometimes used to describe events involving only one participant.
    • Example: “The solitary traveler continued his journey.”

4. Used as an Adjective (Describing something or someone)

  • This is the most common grammatical usage. It modifies a noun.
    • Example: “The solitary room was filled with books.” (describes the room)
    • Example: “A solitary tear rolled down her cheek.” (describes the tear)

Key Things to Remember:

  • Context is Crucial: The specific meaning of "solitary" will depend on the context in which it's used.
  • Tone: “Solitary” can sometimes carry a slightly melancholic or wistful tone, especially when describing a lonely person. However, it can also be a proud descriptor of independence.

Let's test your understanding. Choose the best definition for each sentence:

  1. The lighthouse stood on a solitary rock. a) The lighthouse was lonely. b) The lighthouse was located on a single, isolated rock.

  2. He lived a solitary life, preferring the company of his books to people. a) He was an independent and self-reliant man. b) He was very, very lonely.

  3. He was a solitary figure, walking through the crowd. a) He was surrounded by many people. b) He was alone and noticeable.

Answers:

  1. b)
  2. a)
  3. b)

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use “solitary”?
  • Explain the difference between “solitary” and similar words (e.g., “lonely,” “alone,” “isolated”) in more detail?
  • Provide a practice exercise with more sentences?

Synonyms for the word solitary

Practice with vocabulary solitary

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After years in a noisy city, he longed for a more ___________ lifestyle, preferring quiet reflection to social gatherings.
  2. The old lighthouse stood on a ___________ cliff, miles away from the nearest town, serving as a beacon for ships.
  3. During his research expedition, the scientist often spent long hours in ___________ contemplation, meticulously analyzing his data.
  4. The new intern proved to be exceptionally ___________, quickly learning the ropes and completing tasks without constant supervision.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following describes a person who prefers to be alone or engage in activities without others? a) gregarious b) reclusive c) solitary d) social

  2. In an academic context, if a researcher works entirely by themselves on a project without collaborators, their effort could be described as: a) collaborative b) collective c) individual d) solitary

  3. The company decided to issue a ___________ statement regarding the merger, meaning it was the only official announcement provided. a) collective b) unified c) solitary d) singular

  4. Which words best describe a unique, one-of-a-kind discovery? a) commonplace b) extraordinary c) singular d) unprecedented

  5. When a team member consistently avoids group discussions and prefers to complete tasks on their own, they might be considered: a) withdrawn b) outgoing c) cooperative d) introverted

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to include the word "solitary": The researcher preferred to work alone on complex theories.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to include "solitary" or a related word form: He lived a life of intense isolation, far away from any community.

  3. Rewrite the sentence, but do not use the word "solitary": She was the only person who offered a different perspective during the heated debate.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. solitary
  2. secluded (or remote, isolated)
  3. solitary
  4. independent (or autonomous)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) reclusive, c) solitary
  2. c) individual, d) solitary
  3. c) solitary, d) singular
  4. b) extraordinary, c) singular, d) unprecedented
  5. a) withdrawn, d) introverted

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The researcher preferred solitary work on complex theories.
  2. He lived a life of intense solitude, far away from any community.
  3. She was the sole person who offered a different perspective during the heated debate.

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