sōlus
The Latin word for "alone" is sōlus.
sōlus is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is by oneself. The related form solus can also be used as an adverb to mean "without company."
Meaning: by oneself (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sōlus must agree in gender with the person or thing that is alone. Its feminine form is sola and its neuter form is sōlum.
Did you know?
- Some Latin poets use sōlus to describe a god who is 'alone' in their power, meaning 'peerless' or 'unmatched'.
- The concept of being 'alone' in Latin literature often contrasts sōlus with socius, which means 'companion' or 'ally'.
- The term 'soliloquy', used in English to describe a character speaking their thoughts aloud, comes from the same root as sōlus, meaning the character is speaking 'to themselves'.
Examples in context
- Sōlus in vīcō habitat.He lives all alone in the village.This sentence shows how to use sōlus to describe someone living alone in a village.Tatoeba #11152880 by alexmarcelo, translation #10345125 by sundown
- Placetne tibi sōlus esse?Do you like being alone?This sentence uses sōlus to ask about the preference of being alone.Tatoeba #11040039 by alexmarcelo, translation #6271038 by CK
- Sōlus opus facere coāctus sum.I was compelled to do the work alone.This sentence demonstrates using sōlus to describe performing a task alone.Tatoeba #11155175 by alexmarcelo, translation #256062 by CK
- Quaerisne societatem? Non, solus esse volo.Are you looking for company? No, I want to be alone.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are talking about their weekend plans.
- MarcusCur sōlus domī manēs?Why are you staying home alone?
- AureliaVolō sōlus librum legere.I want to read a book by myself.
- MarcusNon timebis sōlus esse?Won't you be afraid to be alone?
- AureliaMinime, sōlus esse mihi placet.Not at all, I like being alone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alone” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
