seclude
C1Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
To keep someone or something away from others; to remove from social contact or public view.
To intentionally isolate or set apart, often for the purpose of privacy, protection, or quiet contemplation. Can also refer to physically hiding a place.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically used with a human object, but can also be used for physical locations (e.g., a secluded cottage). Often implies a deliberate, voluntary action for peace, safety, or privacy, rather than punitive isolation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The adjective 'secluded' is more common than the verb in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries neutral-to-positive connotations of desirable privacy or tranquility, unlike 'isolate' which can be negative.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written, formal contexts than in everyday speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] seclude [NP] (from [NP])[NP] seclude oneself (from [NP])be secludedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be/seclude oneself in an ivory tower”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in 'The board secluded itself for confidential talks.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, or social sciences to discuss figures who withdrew from society.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. The adjective 'secluded' is far more frequent (e.g., 'a secluded beach').
Technical
Not typical.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The author chose to seclude himself in a remote Scottish cottage to finish his novel.
- The royal family sought to seclude the young princes from the media frenzy.
- This garden is beautifully secluded from the noise of the city.
American English
- After the election, the candidate secluded herself from public view for a month.
- The hotel is designed to seclude guests in luxurious privacy.
- They built a high fence to seclude the pool area from the neighbours.
adverb
British English
- The property is located quite seclusively, which is what we wanted.
- They lived seclusively, rarely seen in the village.
American English
- The mansion was built seclusively on a cliff edge.
- He worked seclusively in his home office.
adjective
British English
- They found a wonderfully secluded cove for their picnic.
- The house is in a secluded location down a long, private drive.
American English
- We stayed at a secluded cabin in the woods of Vermont.
- The billionaire's estate is highly secluded and guarded.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The garden is very secluded.
- She wants to find a secluded place to read.
- The monastery is secluded high in the mountains.
- Famous people often try to seclude themselves from the press.
- The poet deliberately secluded himself from literary society to develop his unique voice.
- The jury was secluded for the duration of the high-profile trial to avoid media influence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SECLUSION is the noun. To SECLUDE is to put someone or yourself into seclusion.'
Conceptual Metaphor
PRIVACY IS BEING ENCLOSED / WITHDRAWAL IS MOVING INWARD
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'скрывать' (to hide/conceal facts). 'Seclude' is about physical/social isolation, not information.
- Do not directly translate from Russian 'уединяться' in all contexts; 'seclude' is more formal and less common in speech.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'hide' an object. (Incorrect: 'He secluded the key.' Correct: 'He hid the key.')
- Using it without a reflexive pronoun when meaning self-isolation. (Less common/natural: 'He secluded for a week.' Better: 'He secluded himself for a week.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the typical use of 'seclude'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's relatively formal and less common in everyday speech. The adjective 'secluded' and the noun 'seclusion' are used more frequently.
'Isolate' is broader and more neutral/scientific, often implying complete separation. 'Seclude' often implies a chosen, protective withdrawal for peace or privacy, and is more formal.
Yes, but it often requires an object. You can seclude someone else (e.g., 'They secluded the witness') or a place. For self-isolation, 'seclude oneself' is the standard pattern.
Yes, both come from the Latin 'claudere' (to close). 'Ex-clude' means to close out, while 'se-clude' means to close away or apart.