alone

1. 1
   no one else thereadjectivenot before a noun

   By yourself, with no other people with you or near you.

   Like being the last person left in a big, empty house.

   The little girl was alone at the bus stop.

   After everyone left the party, he felt completely alone.

   UsageSay she was alone (not incorrect: an alone girl). Lonely means sad because you feel cut off from other people.

   Similarunaccompanied, solitary, isolated

   Oppositeaccompanied

2. 2
   soloadverbnot before a noun

   By yourself, without anyone else joining in or helping.

   Like singing a solo while everyone else stays quiet.

   She climbed the mountain alone over three long days.

   They sang the final verse alone, after the choir fell silent.

   UsageSay live alone, or by yourself.

   Similarsolo, single-handedly

   Oppositetogether

3. 3
   only (nothing else)adverbnot before a noun

   Used right after a noun to mean only that one thing and nothing else.

   Like pointing at just one thing and saying, 'Only this counts.'

   Money alone cannot make you happy.

   Hard work alone will not get you there.

   UsagePut it after the noun: money alone, or say only money.

   Similaronly, solely, exclusively

   Note
4. 4
   adverbnot before a noun

   After a noun: just this one part, without counting the rest, often showing it is enough or that the whole is bigger.

   Like saying, 'Just this one box weighs ten pounds,' to show how heavy everything is.

   In our school alone, three hundred kids play soccer.

   Last year alone, the shop sold a million cups of coffee.

   UsageSay last year alone before a big number.

   Note
5. 5
   no one like youadjectivenot before a noun

   Without anyone who shares your beliefs or experiences.

   Like being the only one who likes a song everyone else hates.

   As the only vegetarian in town, she often felt alone.

   He was alone in believing the old plan would still work.

   UsagePeople say you're not alone to comfort someone.

   Similarisolated, lonely

   Note

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