Cool MateSingle vs Solitary
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Single
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
Solitary
Top 3,000 (common)C1adjective
Most common: Single
| Single | Solitary | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪŋɡl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪŋɡl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈsɒl.ɪ.tər.i//🇺🇸 //ˈsɑː.lɪ.tɛr.i// |
| Meaning | One person or thing. | Being alone or without companions. |
| Example | He prefers to live a single life without any commitments. | He preferred a solitary life in the mountains. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | single person, single item, single ticket, single life, single parent | solitary confinement, solitary journey, solitary lifestyle |
| Antonyms | multiple, coupled, together | social, accompanied, gregarious |
| Common mistakes | Mixing up with 'singly' which has a different meaning., Using 'single' when referring to multiple items or people., Confusing 'single' with 'alone', which has a different connotation. | Confusing with 'solo', which often implies a choice rather than loneliness., Using inappropriately to describe a group context., Overusing in social contexts where 'alone' is more appropriate. |
| Usage notes | Used to describe someone not in a relationship. In formal contexts, it can refer to a single item. Avoid using in very casual or slang conversations where 'solo' might be more suitable. | Use 'solitary' to describe situations where someone or something is alone. It sounds formal; avoid it in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Single vs Solitary
What's the difference between Single and Solitary?
Single: One person or thing. Solitary: Being alone or without companions.
Which is more common: Single and Solitary?
Single is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Single and Solitary?
Solitary is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Single and Solitary the same CEFR level?
Single: A2, Solitary: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Single and Solitary?
Single: adjective, Solitary: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Single: He prefers to live a single life without any commitments. Solitary: He preferred a solitary life in the mountains.
Can I use Single and Solitary interchangeably?
Not always. Single and Solitary are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.