solitude

Where does the word "solitude" come from? It comes from Latin solus, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Solitude’s story begins in Latin: solus meant “alone.” Alone, by oneself. It reached English by 1300s as solitude. Settled as the English word for the state of being alone. Today, solitude means the state of being alone, especially when solitude is peaceful or chosen.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient solus "alone", alone, by oneself.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s solitude "the state of being alone", settled as the English word for the state of being alone.