lonely
UK: ˈləʊnli | US: ˈloʊnli
adj. feeling sad due to lack of companionship or isolation
adj. remote or uninhabited (e.g., a lonely place)
lonely = lone<solitary> + ly<adjective suffix>
- lone: Derived from Middle English alone (shortened from "all one"), meaning "solitary" or "isolated."
- ly: An Old English suffix used to form adjectives, indicating "having the qualities of."
Etymology Origin:
The word lonely emerged in the late 16th century as an extension of lone, which itself evolved from alone. The -ly suffix transforms the noun/adverb lone into an adjective, emphasizing the emotional state of solitude. The progression reflects a shift from physical isolation (alone) to emotional desolation (lonely).
She felt lonely after moving to a new city.
The cabin stood in a lonely valley, far from any town.
His lonely childhood shaped his introverted personality.
The lighthouse keeper led a lonely but peaceful life.
Despite the crowd, he couldn’t shake off the lonely feeling.