entry
lonely
/ˈloʊnli/Feeling isolated or alone
From English lone (single).
Word Ancestry
This is one of those words that feels older than it is. Shakespeare was using lonely before the modern ache of isolation had fully settled into the word, and by 1811 it had picked up that sadly human sense of being cut off from company. Its little root, lone, is just alone shaved down for everyday wear, the way a long coat gets shortened for work in the street. Then English did what it loves to do: slapped on -ly and made an adjective that can describe a road, a room, or a heart. The family resemblance is strong enough to spot in lonesome, solitary, and desolation, all those words of emptiness rattling around like an unfurnished house.
The Story
This is one of those words that feels older than it is. Shakespeare was using lonely before the modern ache of isolation had fully settled into the word, and by 1811 it had picked up that sadly human sense of being cut off from company. Its little root, lone, is just alone shaved down for everyday wear, the way a long coat gets shortened for work in the street. Then English did what it loves to do: slapped on -ly and made an adjective that can describe a road, a room, or a heart. The family resemblance is strong enough to spot in lonesome, solitary, and desolation, all those words of emptiness rattling around like an unfurnished house.
Kin & Kindred
From 'lone'·single; solitary
Derived Terms
English words from this root
Sources
Etymonline
Free Dictionary
Urban Dictionary
Wiktionary