isolated
UK: ˈaɪ.sə.leɪ.tɪd | US: ˈaɪ.sə.leɪ.tɪd
adj. separated from others; alone or solitary
adj. (of a place) remote or inaccessible
adj. (biology) occurring alone or in small groups, distinct from others
The word "isolated" traces back to the concept of an island—a landmass physically separated from others. The Italian "isola" (island) was borrowed into English through the verb "isolate," which originally meant to place apart like an island. Over time, "isolated" evolved to describe not just physical separation but also social or biological detachment, retaining the core idea of being "set apart."
The scientist worked in an isolated laboratory far from the city.
The village remained isolated due to the surrounding mountains.
The patient was kept isolated to prevent the spread of infection.
The species is found only in isolated pockets of the rainforest.
She felt emotionally isolated after moving to a new country.