get used to solitude

[alpacinou]

Hello,

Can I use "solitude" to talk about social isolation in the wake of this pandemic? What do you think about this?

We need to get used to solitude because this virus doesn't appear to be be going away any time soon.

The reason I have doubt is that maybe solitude has the connotation that you choose to be lonely of your own volition.

And if you think solitude is not apt, then how would you express this whole idea?

 

[Skrej]

It's okay. Solitude can voluntary or against one's will - think of solitary confinement used as punishment in prisons or infectious disease wards in hospitals.

There is a distinction between solitude and loneliness, though. The latter is always involuntary and always negative. Solitude may or may not lead to loneliness.

Of course solitude does mean alone by yourself. I don't think it works if you're quarantining along with other people. In that case, I think you'd have to use something like 'isolation' or 'seclusion'. There are likely more good alternatives.

 

[alpacinou]

Can I say this?

At the moment, solitude and isolation appear to be the only antidotes to/for this virus.

 

[Skrej]

Yes, although I'd probably stick with just 'for'.

 

[alpacinou]

Yes, although I'd probably stick with just 'for'.

At the moment, solitude and isolation appear to be the only antidotes for this virus.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

It's okay. Solitude can voluntary or against one's will - think of solitary confinement used as punishment in prisons or infectious disease wards in hospitals.

There is a distinction between solitude and loneliness, though. The latter is always involuntary and always negative. Solitude may or may not lead to loneliness.

Of course solitude does mean alone by yourself. I don't think it works if you're quarantining along with other people. In that case, I think you'd have to use something like 'isolation' or 'seclusion'. There are likely more good alternatives.

Right. We introverts love solitude: Introvert/Extrovert