solo
UK: ˈsəʊləʊ | US: ˈsoʊloʊ
n. a piece of music or performance by one person
adj. done alone; without companions
vi. to perform alone
solo = sol<alone> + o<noun/adjective suffix>
- sol (from Latin solus, meaning "alone")
- o (a suffix often used in Romance languages to form nouns/adjectives)
Etymology Origin:
The word "solo" originates from Italian, derived from Latin solus ("alone"). It entered English in the 17th century, primarily in musical contexts, to describe a performance by a single artist. The suffix "-o" is typical in Italian, reinforcing its adoption into English with minimal alteration. The logic is straightforward: "sol" (alone) + "-o" (marking it as a noun/adjective) = a standalone performance or action.
She performed a stunning piano solo at the concert.
He prefers solo travel to group tours.
The guitarist will solo during the bridge of the song.
The pilot completed a solo flight across the Atlantic.
The artist’s solo exhibition received critical acclaim.