ALONE

Pronunciation (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does alone mean? 

• ALONE (adjective)
  The adjective ALONE has 4 senses:

1. isolated from others
2. lacking companions or companionship
3. exclusive of anyone or anything else
4. radically distinctive and without equal

  Familiarity information: ALONE used as an adjective is uncommon.

• ALONE (adverb)
  The adverb ALONE has 2 senses:

1. without any others being included or involved
2. without anybody else

  Familiarity information: ALONE used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ALONE (adjective)

Meaning:

Isolated from others

Context examples:

could be alone in a crowded room / was alone with her thoughts / I want to be alone

Similar:

unsocial (not seeking or given to association; being or living without companions)

Meaning:

Lacking companions or companionship

Synonyms:

lonely; lone; alone; solitary

Context examples:

he was alone when we met him / she is alone much of the time / the lone skier on the mountain / a lonely fisherman stood on a tuft of gravel / a lonely soul / a solitary traveler

Similar:

unaccompanied (without accompaniment or companions)

Meaning:

Exclusive of anyone or anything else

Synonyms:

only; alone

Context examples:

she alone believed him / cannot live by bread alone / I'll have this car and this car only

Similar:

exclusive (excluding much or all; especially all but a particular group or minority)

Meaning:

Radically distinctive and without equal

Synonyms:

unequaled; unequalled; unique; unparalleled; alone

Context examples:

he is alone in the field of microbiology / this theory is altogether alone in its penetration of the problem / Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint / craftsmen whose skill is unequaled / unparalleled athletic ability / a breakdown of law unparalleled in our history

Similar:

incomparable; uncomparable (such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison or lacking features that can be compared)

• ALONE (adverb)

Meaning:

Without any others being included or involved

Synonyms:

alone; solely; exclusively; only; entirely

Context examples:

was entirely to blame / a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children / he works for Mr. Smith exclusively / did it solely for money / the burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone / a privilege granted only to him

Meaning:

Without anybody else

Synonyms:

solo; unaccompanied; alone

Context examples:

the child stayed home alone / he flew solo