Etymology Map
Back to all words

Solitary

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means done or existing alone

Where does the word "solitary" come from? It comes from Latin solitarius, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
solitarius
Latin · ancient
"alone"
from 'solus', alone
2
Stage 2 of 2
solitary
English · 1300s
"alone"
'solitary confinement' dates from the 1700s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Solitary’s story begins in Latin: solitarius meant “alone.” From 'solus', alone. It reached English by 1300s as solitary. 'solitary confinement' dates from the 1700s. Today, solitary means done or existing alone.