Meaning & use
seclusion
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Meanings
noununcountable
The state of being away from other people, in a private or quiet place.
Grammar: No plural: she lived in seclusion.
Patterns
- in seclusion
- seclusion from something
The writer lived in seclusion in a cabin in the mountains.
After the scandal, he withdrew into seclusion.
The garden offers seclusion from the noisy street.
noununcountable
A place or situation that is quiet, private and hidden from view.
Grammar: Often used with enjoy: they enjoyed the seclusion of the beach.
Patterns
- the seclusion of a place
Guests loved the seclusion of the island resort.
The hut's seclusion made it hard to find.
The monastery's seclusion kept the monks from distractions.
noununcountablemedicalspecialist
In medical settings, the practice of keeping a person alone in a room for safety.
Grammar: A technical sense: placed in seclusion.
Patterns
- in seclusion
- use seclusion
The hospital limits how long a patient may be in seclusion.
Seclusion should be used only when necessary for safety.
The report criticized the use of seclusion in the ward.
Common combinations
- in seclusion
- She spent a year in seclusion.
- complete seclusion
- The cottage offered complete seclusion.
- enjoy seclusion
- They enjoyed the seclusion of the forest.
- seek seclusion
- He sought seclusion to finish his novel.
- peaceful seclusion
- They found peaceful seclusion on the lake.
Synonyms and how they differ
- solitude
- Solitude stresses being alone and is often pleasant, whereas seclusion stresses being cut off in a hidden place.
- privacy
- Privacy is about not being watched or disturbed, while seclusion suggests more physical separation.
- isolation
- Isolation often sounds negative or forced, whereas seclusion can be chosen.
- retreat
- Retreat is a place you go to get away, not the state itself.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: seclusion or exclusion?
seclusion vs exclusion
Exclusion means keeping someone out, whereas seclusion means being away from others.
Practice
The famous singer retreated into ___ after the tour to rest and write songs.
Choose one answer.
Seclusion means being away from others. Exclusion looks similar but means keeping someone out.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “seclusion”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.