Solitary

Solitary is an adjective meaning existing or living alone, not accompanied by others, or characterized by solitude. It can describe people, animals, or objects that are single or separate. The term derives from Latin solitarius, from solus meaning alone. Solitary can also refer to a lifestyle focused on seclusion or a state of isolation.

In biology, solitary species spend most of their lives alone outside mating or raising offspring. Territoriality and resource distribution influence this behavior. Examples include many big cats such as tigers and leopards, bears like polar bears, orangutans, and some reptiles and insects. Other species are social, forming groups or colonies. Solitary living can reduce competition for food or avoid detection by rivals or prey.

In human experience, solitude refers to the state of being alone, which can be voluntary and beneficial for reflection, creativity, and rest, or involuntary and associated with loneliness. Solitary confinement is a penal practice that confines a prisoner to a small cell for extended periods, often 22–24 hours a day. It has been widely criticized for adverse mental health effects, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment, leading many jurisdictions to limit or abolish its use and to seek alternative disciplinary approaches that preserve social contact and support.

Culturally, solitary settings and figures are often used to evoke introspection, independence, or exile, contrasting with social or communal arrangements. The term remains a general descriptor across disciplines, highlighting contrasts between living alone and living with others.