— aloneness , n.
/euh lohn"/ , adj. (used predicatively)
1. separate, apart, or isolated from others: I want to be alone.
2. to the exclusion of all others or all else: One cannot live by bread alone.
3. unique; unequaled; unexcelled: He is alone among his peers in devotion to duty.
4. leave alone ,
a. to allow (someone) to be by himself or herself: Leave him alone - he wants to rest.
b. to refrain from annoying or interfering with: The youngsters wouldn't leave the dog alone, and he finally turned on them.
5. let alone ,
a. to refrain from annoying or interfering with.
b. not to mention: He was too tired to walk, let alone run.
6. let well enough alone , to be satisfied with the existing situation; refrain from attempting to change conditions: Marriages are often destroyed by relatives who will not let well enough alone.
adv.
7. solitarily; solely: She prefers to live alone.
8. only; exclusively.
9. without aid or help: The baby let go of the side of the crib and stood alone.
[ 1250-1300; ME al one ALL (wholly) ONE ]
Syn. 1. single, solitary; unaccompanied, unattended. ALONE, LONE, LONELY, LONESOME all imply being without companionship or association. ALONE is colorless unless reinforced by ALL; it then suggests solitariness or desolation: alone in the house; all alone on an island. LONE is somewhat poetic or is intended humorously: a lone sentinel. LONELY implies a sad or disquieting feeling of isolation. LONESOME connotes emotion, a longing for companionship.
Ant. 1. accompanied.
Usage. 4, 5. See leave 1 .