lonely
To feel sad because you are by yourself or do not have any friends. It describes the unhappy feeling of wanting company or connection with other people.
Examples
3 of 5I feel lonely when my friends are not at school.
I feel lonely when my friends are not at school.
The report states that many elderly people feel lonely in big cities.
The report states that many elderly people feel lonely in big cities.
I'm home alone and feeling a bit lonely, so I'll call my mom.
I'm home alone and feeling a bit lonely, so I'll call my mom.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the word: it has 'one' in it. You feel lonely when you feel like you are only 'one' person with no friends.
Quick Quiz
I felt very ___ when I moved to a new city where I knew nobody.
Correct!
The correct answer is: lonely
Examples
I feel lonely when my friends are not at school.
everydayI feel lonely when my friends are not at school.
The report states that many elderly people feel lonely in big cities.
formalThe report states that many elderly people feel lonely in big cities.
I'm home alone and feeling a bit lonely, so I'll call my mom.
informalI'm home alone and feeling a bit lonely, so I'll call my mom.
The study explores why students feel lonely during their first year of university.
academicThe study explores why students feel lonely during their first year of university.
Moving to a new office can make employees feel lonely for a short time.
businessMoving to a new office can make employees feel lonely for a short time.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a lonely heart
a lonely heart
it's lonely at the top
it's lonely at the top
a lonely road
a lonely road
Often Confused With
Alone means being by yourself physically; lonely means being sad about being by yourself.
Usage Notes
Use 'lonely' to describe the negative emotion of missing people. Even if you are with others, you can still feel lonely.
Common Mistakes
Don't use 'lonely' just to mean you are by yourself; use 'alone' for the physical state and 'lonely' for the sad feeling.
Memory Tip
Look at the word: it has 'one' in it. You feel lonely when you feel like you are only 'one' person with no friends.
Word Origin
Created in the 16th century by combining 'alone' and the suffix '-ly'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Loneliness is a significant topic in modern Western health discussions regarding the elderly and social media usage.
Quick Quiz
I felt very ___ when I moved to a new city where I knew nobody.
Correct!
The correct answer is: lonely
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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joy
A1A deep feeling of great happiness and pleasure. It is used to describe an intense emotion or something that causes this feeling.
pleased
A1To feel or show satisfaction and happiness about a specific event, situation, or result. It is commonly used to describe a person's positive emotional state when their expectations are met or exceeded.
content
A1A feeling of being happy and satisfied with what you have or your current situation. It describes a state of peace where you do not feel the need for anything more.
eager
A1Eager describes a person who has a strong desire to do something or is very excited about something that will happen. It suggests a positive, energetic readiness and a keen interest in a particular activity.
confident
A1To be confident means feeling sure about your own abilities or that something will happen as you expect. It describes a person who believes in themselves and does not feel nervous or shy in front of others.
proud
A1Proud describes the feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements or the achievements of those one is associated with. It is often used to express honor or high self-esteem regarding a specific quality or action.
relieved
A1Feeling happy and relaxed because something difficult or unpleasant has stopped or did not happen. It describes the sense of comfort you feel when a worry goes away.
cherish
A1To love someone or something very much and want to protect them. It also means to keep a happy memory or a feeling in your heart for a long time.
admire
A1To look at someone or something and feel respect or approval. It is used when you think someone is very good, or when you think something is beautiful to look at.
tender
A1A gentle and kind feeling or quality shown toward others. It describes a soft emotional state where someone is caring, affectionate, and easily moved by love or sympathy.
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