Lonely
ˈləʊnli
Definitions
2 meaningsFeeling unhappiness because you have no friends or company.
ˈləʊnli
Feeling or characterized by the absence of other people.
She felt lonely after her family moved.
💡 Simply: Ever feel like you're the only one around, like when all your friends are busy? That's being lonely! Like when you're stuck at home and your dog is your only friend.
👶 For kids: Feeling sad because you are by yourself and don't have anyone to play with.
More Examples
The old man lived a lonely life.
He was lonely for his friends after the summer break.
How It's Used
"The therapist addressed the patient's feelings of loneliness."
"The protagonist felt lonely after the departure of their friend."
A place that is remote or uninhabited.
ˈləʊnli
Referring to a place that is uninhabited or deserted.
They found a lonely cabin deep in the woods.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, a place can feel lonely too! Imagine a quiet, empty beach with no people around—that's a lonely place. Like a spooky house in the middle of nowhere.
👶 For kids: A place that is empty and doesn't have many people around.
More Examples
The ship sailed across the lonely ocean.
The village was a lonely place after the storm.
How It's Used
"The explorers ventured into the lonely wilderness."
"The lighthouse stood on a lonely cliff."
Idioms & expressions
a lonely heart
A person who is sad because they lack companionship or love.
"She was just a lonely heart looking for love."
From Old English *lānlic* meaning 'solitary, alone', derived from *lān* meaning 'alone'. The -ly suffix denotes an adjective.
The word 'lonely' has been used to express feelings of isolation and solitude for centuries, evolving from its Old English origins.
Memory tip
Imagine being on a LONELY island with no one else around.
Word Origin
"lānlic (solitary, alone) from lān (alone) + -lic (suffix)"