With its prefix se-, "apart", seclusion has the basic meaning of a place or condition that's "closed away". A lone island may be secluded, and its seclusion might be what its owner prizes most about it. Presidents and their staffs may go into seclusion before making critical decisions. Monastery life is purposely secluded, and monks may have taken vows to live lives of seclusion. The deadly brown recluse spider prefers seclusion but is sometimes disturbed by very unlucky people.
solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates.
a few quiet hours of solitude
isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.
the isolation of the village in winter
seclusion suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life.
lived in pastoral seclusion
Example Sentences
the seclusion of women that occurs in some countries I enjoyed the seclusion of the island.
Recent Examples on the WebThe couple found solace in the peace and seclusion this new summer home afforded them, spending their days deer stalking and sketching the sprawling landscape. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2022 Maybe two years of covid seclusion had primed us for a story of monastic adventure, and certainly Groff’s rich style helped the book sing to many readers. Ron Charles, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2022 The addition of doors further enhances this sense of seclusion, closing you off the aisle, especially when lying flat in the bed position. John Walton, CNN, 29 Aug. 2022 Ogden’s seclusion from cheerleading havens in the South — particularly Texas, considered the cheer capital of the world — helps Weber’s team, Torres said.The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Apr. 2022 The end of the millennium was all about minimalism, whether in the barefoot luxury—and total seclusion—of Amanpuri (pavilions from $750), in Phuket, Thailand, or the discreet elegance of matching separates. Rebecca Carhart, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2021 Prohibit seclusion and dangerous restraint in schools with federal funding. Andrew Pulrang, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2021 After nine years of seclusion, Rushdie cautiously resumed more public appearances.Fox News, 14 Aug. 2022 After nine years of seclusion, Rushdie cautiously resumed more public appearances. Carolyn Thompson And Hillel Italie, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Medieval Latin seclusion-, seclusio, from Latin secludere