- Alone, and on your own/by yourself (which are less formal and are the normal phrases used in spoken English) describe a person or thing that is separate from others. They do not mean that the person is unhappy:I like being alone in the house. I’m going to London by myself next week. I want to finish this on my own (= without anyone’s help).
- Lone/solitary/single mean that there is only one person or thing there;lone and solitary may sometimes suggest that the speaker thinks the person involved is lonely:a lone jogger in the park long, solitary walks
- Lonely/lonesome mean that you are alone and sad:a lonely child Sam was very lonely when he first moved to New York. The dog let out a lonesome howl.It can also describe places or activities that make you feel lonely:a lonely house the lonesome prairie
a person who prefers to be alone
Check pronunciation: lone