Isolation: Meaning, Usage and Examples

Meaning 1：Isolation (Isolation)

Isolation 🔊

/ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən/

The state of being kept alone and away from others.

Isolation 🔊

➕

/ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən/

The condition of being completely alone or separated from others, often due to necessity or external factors.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'insula' (island) + '-ation'; literally 'act of making into an island'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'island' + 'action' → isolating yourself on an island.

📖 Example

After returning from abroad, he spent two weeks in isolation at home as a precaution. 🔊 After returning from abroad, he spent two weeks in isolation at home as a precaution.

🔗 Collocations

social isolation – separation from society or social contact

isolation ward – a hospital room for patients with contagious diseases

in isolation – alone and separated from others

🔄 Synonyms

seclusion (n.) – the state of being private and away from other people

solitude (n.) – the state of being alone, especially when chosen for peace

quarantine (n.) – a period of isolation imposed to prevent disease spread

🚫 Antonyms

togetherness (n.) – the state of being close with others

inclusion (n.) – the act of involving someone in a group

🌱 Derivatives

isolate (v.) – to cause someone or something to be alone

isolated (adj.) – situated far apart from others; alone

isolating (adj.) – causing a feeling of being alone

📖 Cultural Story

Derives from Latin 'insula' (island). First used in English in 17th century for quarantine. Now common in medical and social contexts.