alone

adjective [notbeforenoun] adverb 1 without any other people: I don't like going out alone at night. * He lives alone. * Finally the two of us were alone together. * She was sitting all alone in the hall. * Tom is not alone in finding Rick hard to work with. 2 without the help of other people or things: It's hard bringing up children alone. * The assassin said he had acted alone. 3 lonely and unhappy or without any friends: Carol felt all alone in the world. * I've been so alone since you went away. 4 used after a noun or pronoun to show that the person or thing mentioned is the only one: You can't blame anyone else; you alone made the decision. 5 used after a noun or pronoun to emphasize one particular thing: The shoes alone cost ｣200. IDIOMS go it alone to do sth without help from anyone: Andrew decided to go it alone and start his own business. leave / let sb alone to stop annoying sb or trying to get their attention: She's asked to be left alone but the press photographers follow her everywhere. leave / let sth alone to stop touching, changing, or moving sth: I've told you before-leave my things alone! let alone used after a statement to emphasize that because the first thing is not true or possible, the next thing cannot be true or possible either: There isn't enough room for us, let alone any guests. * I didn't have any clothes, let alone a passport. stand alone 1 to be independent or not connected with other people, organizations or ideas: These islands are too small to stand alone as independent states. * The problems that research is designed to solve do not stand alone, but are part of a wider context. 2 to be not near other objects or buildings: The arch once stood alone at the entrance to the castle. moreatTIMEn. ______________________________ WHICHWORD? alone / lonely / lone Alone, and on your own, by yourself, which are less formal and are the normal phrases used in spoken English, describe a person or thing that is separate from others. They do not mean that the person is unhappy: I like being alone in the house. * I'm going to London by myself next week. * I want to finish this on my own (= without anyone's help). Lone/solitary/single mean that there is only one person or thing there; lone and solitary may sometimes suggest that the speaker thinks the person involved is lonely: a lone jogger in the park * long, solitary walks. Lonely (AmE also lonesome) means that you are alone and sad: a lonely child * Sam was very lonely when he first moved to New York. It can also describe places or activities that make you feel lonely: a lonely house. ______________________________