seclusion
sih-KLOO-zhun
/sɪˈkluː.ʒən/
The state of being private and away from other people.
Refers to the noun state of being sheltered or removed from public view.
The story behind the word. From Latin seclusionem, the noun of action from secludere ('to shut apart'). Entered English in the 16th century to describe monastic retirement.
Word relationships
- privacy: Privacy is freedom from observation; seclusion emphasizes physical retreat into a sheltered place.
- publicity: Publicity is the state of being observed or noticed by the public.
Commonly confused with
- solitude: Solitude focuses on being alone with thoughts; seclusion emphasizes physical protection from public view.
Word family
- secluded (adjective): sheltered from view
- seclude (verb): to isolate or hide away
Collocations
- in seclusion
- seek seclusion
- splendid seclusion
Example sentences
- "After her retirement from active politics, she sought the quiet seclusion of her rural estate." Biography
Memory hook
SECLUSION is the inclusion of yourself into a private sanctuary. The quiet state of being shut apart.
When not to use
Do not confuse with isolation when referring strictly to chemical or technical extractions.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'splendid seclusion' was famous in British 19th-century diplomatic policy.
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