ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reclusive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɹiˈkɫusɪv// UK //ɹɪklˈuːsɪv// reclu·sive

adj. describing someone who avoids other people and prefers to be alone. You use this for people who live quietly and keep to themselves.

adj. avoiding social interaction and preferring solitude. Often used to describe individuals who live in seclusion or have a private, withdrawn lifestyle.


SIMPLE

The famous author is very reclusive and rarely gives interviews.

CONTEXTUAL

After the scandal, the politician moved to a remote cabin and lived a reclusive life away from the public eye.

COMPLEX

While some view the reclusive nature of the artist as a sign of genius, others see it as a symptom of a deep-seated social anxiety that prevents him from engaging with his peers.

Synonyms

© 2026 English Reference