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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | solitarius, from solitas 'solitude', from solus; SOLE1 |
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sol‧i‧ta‧ry1
1 [only before noun] used to emphasize that there is only one of something [= single]: the solitary goal of the match The benches were empty except for a single solitary figure.
the solitary goal of the matchThe benches were empty except for a single solitary figure.2 doing something without anyone else with you : a long, solitary walk
a long, solitary walk3 spending a lot of time alone, usually because you like being alone [≠ sociable]: a solitary man Pandas are solitary creatures. He led a rather solitary existence.
a solitary manPandas are solitary creatures.He led a rather solitary existence.4 used to emphasize that there is not even one : He followed her round without a solitary word.
not a solitary word/thing etc
He followed her round without a solitary word. —solitarily adverb
—solitariness noun [uncountable]
