hermit
UK: /ˈhɜː.mɪt/ | US: /ˈhɜːr.mɪt/
n. a person living in solitude, often for religious or spiritual reasons
n. a recluse; someone who avoids society
The word "hermit" traces back to the Greek erēmitēs (ἐρημίτης), meaning "of the desert," reflecting the early Christian ascetics who retreated to deserts for spiritual solitude. Latin adopted it as eremita, which evolved into Old French hermite and Middle English hermit. The morpheme her- preserves the original sense of isolation, while -mit signifies the dweller, creating a vivid image of a solitary figure in wilderness.
The old hermit lived in a cave, far from the village.
She adopted the life of a hermit after her husband passed away.
Medieval hermits often sought enlightenment through isolation.
The mountain hermit was known for his wisdom and simplicity.
Modern hermits may not live in deserts but still avoid social contact.