solitary figure

Meanings

1. 1phrasecountable

   A person who is alone and often looks lonely or distant, especially in a scene or description.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a solitary figure' or 'solitary figures'. It is usually singular in stories.

   Patterns

   • a solitary figure in something
   • a solitary figure on something
   • a solitary figure standing/walking

   A solitary figure walked slowly along the empty beach.

   In the painting, a solitary figure stands under a streetlamp.

   I saw a solitary figure waiting at the bus stop in the rain.

2. 2phrasecountable

   Someone who tends to be alone and avoids the company of others.

   Grammar: Used to describe a person's usual behavior, not just a single moment.

   Patterns

   • a solitary figure in the community
   • a solitary figure who avoids people

   He was a solitary figure at school, never joining the other children.

   After his wife died, he became a solitary figure in the village.

Word forms

Common combinations

a solitary figure

A solitary figure appeared at the end of the road.

lone figure

The lone figure on the hill was a shepherd.

solitary walker

She was a solitary walker, preferring her own company.

solitary existence

He lived a solitary existence in a remote cabin.

Synonyms and how they differ

lone figure

Similar, but 'lone' often emphasizes being the only one, while 'solitary' stresses being alone by choice or circumstance.

lonely figure

This adds a feeling of sadness; 'solitary figure' can be neutral or even peaceful.

Opposites

Word family

solitary adjective

Being alone; done alone.

solitude noun

The state of being alone, often peaceful.

solitarily adverb

In a solitary manner; alone.

Commonly confused: solitary figure or solitary confinement?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “solitary figure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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