loner
/'lounə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
The loner sits by himself on a park bench while a group of people chats in the distance.
Definition
Noun: A person who prefers to be alone, avoids the company or assistance of others, and often chooses solitary activities.
Usage
The word "loner" describes a person who consistently seeks solitude by choice. It is a neutral-to-slightly-negative term, implying social detachment but not necessarily unhappiness. It is used to characterize someone's habitual behavior or personality trait.
Examples
- He was always a bit of a loner, preferring to read in the library rather than join the lunch table.
- The detective in the novel is a classic loner, working alone and trusting no one.
- She's not unfriendly, just a loner who enjoys her own company.
Advanced Usage
- "A bit of a loner": A common softening phrase used to describe someone with loner tendencies without sounding overly harsh or definitive.
- He keeps to himself and is a bit of a loner, but he's very kind when you get to know him.
Variants and Related Words
- Lone wolf (noun, idiomatic): A person who prefers to act, work, or live alone, often emphasizing independence and self-reliance.
- In business, he was a lone wolf who built his company without any partners.
- Solitary (adjective/noun): As an adjective, it describes someone who is alone or done alone. As a noun (less common), it can refer to a person who lives in solitude.
- She leads a solitary life in the mountains.
Synonyms
- Recluse: A person who lives in complete solitude, often withdrawn from society (stronger than "loner").
- Introvert: A person who gains energy from being alone, focusing on internal thoughts and feelings (a psychological term, often neutral or positive).
- Solitary: A person who lives alone or in solitude.
Antonyms
- Socialite: A person who is well-known in fashionable society and attends many social events.
- Extrovert: A person who gains energy from being around other people.
- Gregarious person: A person who is fond of company; sociable.
Idioms and Related Phrases
- To keep to oneself: To avoid the company of others; to be private.
- The new neighbor keeps to herself and rarely says hello.
- To be a lone wolf: To be someone who operates independently.
- She's a lone wolf on the research project, preferring to work without a team.
The loner sits by himself on a park bench while a group of people chats in the distance.
Noun
- a person who avoids the company or assistance of others