seules

Seules is the feminine plural form of the French adjective seul, meaning "alone" or "the only." It agrees in gender and number with a feminine plural noun, as in les seules femmes or des filles seules. It contrasts with masculine forms (seul, seuls) and with the feminine singular (seule).

Etymology and use in grammar: Seul derives from Latin solus. In modern French, seules can express two related notions depending on placement and context. When placed before the noun, it conveys exclusivity: les seules raisons, the only reasons; les seules filles présentes, the only girls present. When placed after the noun, it often describes being alone or isolated: des filles seules (girls who are by themselves), elles sont seules (they are by themselves). The word is an adjective and does not function as an adverb; the adverb meaning “only” is seulement.

Common usage and nuances: The phrase des filles seules typically means girls who are solitary rather than specifying exclusivity. In contrast, les seules filles présentes clearly designates the group as consisting of the sole or exclusive girls in that context. All-female groups can be described with toutes seules to emphasize “all by themselves” or “all alone.”

Examples:

- Elles sont seules dans la pièce.

- Ce sont les seules solutions possibles.

- Des femmes seules vivent dans ce quartier.

- Elles sont toutes seules à la maison.

See also: French adjectives of quantity and exclusivity, conditions of agreement for adjectives in French.