The word "secluse" is a French term that means "closed off" or "isolated". The IPA phonetic transcription of this term is /səˈklu:s/. The first syllable is pronounced as "suh" with a short "u" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "klooz" with a long "oo" sound. The final "s" is silent. The spelling of the word "secluse" may be confusing to English speakers because it contains an "e" after the letter "c", but this is typical of many French words.
Secluse is an adjective that refers to a person who lives in seclusion or isolation, away from the company or presence of others. It describes someone who deliberately withdraws from society or the rest of the world, preferring solitude and seclusion. The word "secluse" is derived from the French word "se clorre," which means "to shut oneself in."
A secluse individual often chooses to live a life of seclusion in order to find peace, tranquility, or personal reflection. They may prefer to spend time alone, avoiding social interactions and public gatherings. This act of isolating oneself can be seen as a deliberate retreat from the demands and pressures of society.
Secluse can also be used to describe a location or a building that is secluded or hidden away from the bustling world, such as a remote cabin, hermitage, or even a convent. These places are often chosen for the purpose of detachment and solitude.
While the term secluse typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting isolation or withdrawal from society, it can also imply a positive aspect, indicating a desire for introspection, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. It is a word that encompasses the art of deliberately distancing oneself from the outside world, whether for personal reasons or as part of a chosen lifestyle.
The word "secluse" is derived from the Latin term "seclusus", which is the past participle of the verb "secludere". "Secludere" is a combination of "se-" meaning "apart" or "away", and "cludere" meaning "to close" or "to shut". Therefore, "secludere" translates as "to shut away" or "to isolate". The word gradually evolved in Old French to become "secluse", which refers to someone who is secluded or living in seclusion. This term eventually became associated with women living in seclusion, particularly in religious contexts, such as nuns in a convent.