loner
UK: ˈləʊnə | US: ˈloʊnər
n. a person who prefers to be alone or avoids the company of others
n. someone who is independent and self-reliant, often by choice
The word "loner" combines "lone," an archaic or poetic variant of "alone" (from Old English ān, meaning "one"), with the suffix "-er," which denotes a person associated with a particular action or quality. The term emerged in the early 19th century, originally describing someone who stands apart from others, either by circumstance or choice. The logic is straightforward: "lone" captures solitude, and "-er" turns it into a descriptor for a person who embodies that trait.
He was always a loner, preferring books to parties.
The detective was a classic loner, solving cases without a partner.
Despite being a loner, she found joy in her solitary hikes.
Some artists thrive as loners, creating their best work in isolation.
The movie portrays the hero as a misunderstood loner with a hidden heart of gold.