Reclusive
/rɪˈkluːsɪv/noun
Avoiding the company of others and preferring a private or solitary life.
Did you know?A recluse was historically not merely a lonely person but often a religious devotee who deliberately shut themselves away from society for prayer and contemplation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*klau-
“To hook, close, or shut; a reconstructed root associated with fastening or enclosing.”
Classical Latin
Latin
claudere
“To shut, close, or enclose.”
Classical Latin
Latin
recludere
“To shut away or enclose; literally, to close back or apart.”
Late Latin
Latin
reclusus
“Shut away, secluded, or withdrawn; also used of a religious person living in isolation.”
12th–14th Century
Old French
reclus
“A religious recluse or hermit living apart from society.”
17th Century
English
reclusive
“Characterized by seclusion; preferring to live apart from others.”
Modern English
English
reclusive
“Habitually avoiding social contact or public life.”