Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Performed by a single person or instrument: Describes a musical piece, passage, or performance executed by one singer or one instrumentalist, often with or without accompaniment from other instruments.
   • Done alone without assistance: Describes any activity undertaken by a single individual without help from others.

2. Adverb:

   • Alone, by oneself: Indicates that an action is performed without the company or assistance of anyone else.

3. Noun:

   • A musical composition for one performer: A piece of music written for a single voice or instrument.
   • A flight by a single pilot: An instance where an aircraft pilot flies without any other crew or passengers on board.
   • Any activity done alone: An instance of performing any task independently.

4. Verb:

   • To perform a solo piece: To execute a musical composition designed for a single performer.
   • To fly an aircraft alone: To pilot an aircraft without a co-pilot or passengers.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • She performed a solo violin concerto with the orchestra.
  • This is his first solo attempt at climbing the mountain.

• Adverb:

  • After years of training, she finally flew solo.
  • He decided to hike the trail solo.

• Noun:

  • The pianist's solo received a standing ovation.
  • Her first solo as a pilot was a milestone in her career.
  • Completing the project was a difficult solo.

• Verb:

  • The guitarist will solo during the bridge of the song.
  • The student pilot is scheduled to solo next week.

Advanced Usage

• "Go solo": To start working or performing independently, especially after being part of a group.

  • After the band broke up, the singer decided to go solo.

• "Solo effort/endeavor": An achievement or project accomplished entirely by one person.

  • Writing the book was a tremendous solo effort.

Variants and Related Words

• Soloist (n): A person who performs a solo, especially in music.
  • The soloist captivated the audience with her voice.

Synonyms

• Adjective/Adverb: Alone, unaccompanied, single-handed, single-handedly.
• Noun: Monologue (in speech/performance), single.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Solo out: (Less common) To separate oneself to perform alone. Often used in musical contexts.
  • During the jam session, each musician had a chance to solo out.

Related Idioms

• A solo run: An attempt or effort made independently.
  • He made a solo run for the presidency.

Adjective

1. composed or performed by a single voice or instrument
   • a passage for solo clarinet

Adverb

1. without anybody else or anything else
   • the child stayed home alone
   • the pillar stood alone, supporting nothing
   • he flew solo

Noun

1. a flight in which the aircraft pilot is unaccompanied
2. a musical composition for one voice or instrument (with or without accompaniment)
3. any activity that is performed alone without assistance

Verb

1. perform a piece written for a single instrument
2. fly alone, without a co-pilot or passengers