Word
reclusive
Phoneticsreclu·sive
US/ɹiˈkɫusɪv/
UK/ɹɪklˈuːsɪv/
Definition
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 Often used to describe individuals who live in seclusion or have a private, withdrawn lifestyle.
Examples
“The famous author is very reclusive and rarely gives interviews.”
“After the scandal, the politician moved to a remote cabin and lived a reclusive life away from the public eye.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“He had an opportunity to start afresh after McDonough sought out the reclusive singer in 1987 and wrote an 11,000-word profile for the Village Voice.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/reclusive