Word
hermit
Phoneticsher·mit, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɝmət/
UK/hˈɜːmɪt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who lives alone and stays away from other people. You use this for someone who chooses a quiet life, often for religious reasons or because they like being alone.
n. a person living in solitude as a religious discipline or by personal choice. Often used metaphorically to describe anyone who avoids social interaction.
Examples
“He became a hermit after he retired from his job.”
“After years of living in the busy city, she moved to a remote cabin and lived like a hermit.”
“While some historical hermits sought spiritual enlightenment through isolation, modern usage often applies the term to individuals who withdraw from society to escape the relentless pace of digital connectivity.”
Examples
simple
“He became a hermit after he retired from his job.”
contextual
“After years of living in the busy city, she moved to a remote cabin and lived like a hermit.”
complex
“While some historical hermits sought spiritual enlightenment through isolation, modern usage often applies the term to individuals who withdraw from society to escape the relentless pace of digital connectivity.”
Usage
Often used with the verb 'to live like' or 'to become'.
Real-World Examples
“But in Japan half a million people live as modern-day hermits.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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