Recluse
Noun
Definition: A person who lives a secluded or solitary life and avoids contact with other people.
Definition: A hermit or a person who withdraws from society.
Synonyms: Hermit, Loner, Solitary, Introvert, Isolate
Antonyms: Extrovert, Sociable, Outgoing
- The old man who lived alone in the cabin was a recluse.
- After her husband's death, she became a recluse and rarely left her house.
- Imagine a reclusive person hiding in a cozy recliner chair to avoid social interactions.
- The word "clue" in "recluse" may remind you that a recluse gives few clues about their life to others.
Etymology:
The word "recluse" comes from the Middle English "reclus," which was derived from the Old French "reclus" meaning "shut up" or "closed off." It can be traced back to the Latin word "recludere," which means "to shut away."
Historical Usage:The term originally referred to individuals, particularly religious hermits, who chose to live in seclusion for spiritual or religious reasons. Over time, the meaning expanded to include anyone who chose to live a solitary or isolated life.
Related Idioms:
"Live like a recluse"
Explanation:This phrase is used to describe someone who chooses to live in solitude, away from society or social interactions.
Misconceptions:
Using "recluse" as a synonym for introvert.
Explanation:While a recluse may exhibit introverted tendencies, not all introverts are reclusive. Introverts may still actively engage in social interactions, albeit on a smaller scale or with select individuals, while a recluse actively avoids social contact. It's important to distinguish between being introverted and being a recluse.