Pronunciation: [lˈə͡ʊnsʌm] (IPA) 
The word "lonesome" is spelled as /ˈloʊnsəm/. The first syllable "lone" has the long o sound /oʊ/ and the "e" at the end is silent. The second syllable "some" has the short u sound /ʌ/ and the letter "e" at the end makes it silent. The word means to feel alone and isolated. It is often used when referring to the feeling of solitude and melancholy, such as when a person is alone in a large, empty space.
Lonesome is an adjective that describes a feeling of being isolated, lonely, or alone. It conveys a sense of melancholy or sadness that stems from being without companionship or lacking emotional connection to others. The term often carries an emotional weight and can refer to both physical and emotional solitude.
In its physical sense, lonesome refers to being in a place devoid of people or feeling alone in one's surroundings. It may describe desolate landscapes or remote areas. However, lonesome can also encompass a mental state—an inner feeling of emptiness, longing, or isolation that one experiences regardless of the presence of others.
The term lonesome is frequently associated with themes of nostalgia and yearning for human connection, exemplified in art, literature, and music. It embodies a deep-seated desire for companionship, understanding, or belonging. It captures the essence of feeling disconnected or alienated, often causing sadness or melancholic thoughts.
The word lonesome shares some similarities with solitude but conveys a somewhat sadder undertone. While solitude can imply a peaceful and desired state of being alone, lonesome emphasizes the emptiness or sadness associated with isolation.
In summary, lonesome refers to a state of feeling alone, isolated, or lonely. It can pertain to both physical and emotional solitude, carrying a sense of longing for companionship and often associated with themes of sadness.
Solitary; secluded from society; dismal.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "lonesome" can be traced back to Middle English and has its origins in Old English and Old High German.
The Old English term "lānesum" was composed of two elements: "lāne", meaning alone or lone, and "sum", meaning possessing or having. "Lānesum" meant being alone or solitary.
The word also shares a root with the Old English term "lān", meaning lone or solitary. This word is related to the Old High German term "lēn", which similarly meant lonely or solitary.
Over time, "lōnesome" transformed into "lonesome" in English, retaining its meaning of feeling alone or lonely.
