Overview
The word 'isolated' carries significant weight in describing states of separation, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. As an adjective, it fundamentally means being alone or set apart from others. This can manifest in several ways.
Firstly, in a geographical or physical sense, 'isolated' refers to locations that are remote, distant, and difficult to access. Think of a small island, a cabin deep in the woods, or a village nestled in a mountain range. These places are 'isolated' because they are physically separated from population centers, often leading to a unique way of life or ecosystem. The isolation can be both a challenge and a charm, offering peace and quiet but also posing difficulties for supplies or emergency services.
Secondly, 'isolated' can describe a person's social or emotional state. Someone who feels isolated is experiencing a lack of connection with others, a sense of loneliness or detachment. This isn't necessarily about being physically alone; one can feel isolated in a crowd if they don't feel understood or connected to those around them. Factors like moving to a new place, losing loved ones, or struggling with mental health can contribute to feelings of social isolation. This form of isolation can have profound impacts on well-being, leading to sadness, anxiety, and a diminished sense of belonging.
Thirdly, 'isolated' can be used in a more abstract or scientific context to describe something that is treated separately or examined independently. For example, in an experiment, a scientist might 'isolate' a specific variable to study its effect without interference from other factors. Similarly, an 'isolated incident' suggests a singular event that is not part of a larger pattern or trend. In this context, 'isolated' implies a controlled separation for the purpose of analysis or understanding.
Furthermore, as the past participle of the verb 'to isolate', it can also describe the action of having been set apart. If a patient has been 'isolated' due to a contagious disease, it means they have been intentionally kept separate to prevent transmission. In this usage, 'isolated' implies a deliberate act of separation.
Understanding the nuances of 'isolated' requires considering the context. Whether it's the remote beauty of an isolated landscape, the poignant loneliness of an isolated individual, or the precise methodology of an isolated experiment, the core meaning revolves around a state of being apart or disconnected.
Exemplos
The old lighthouse stood isolated on a rocky outcrop.
Describes a placeDas alte Leuchtturm stand isoliert auf einem felsigen Vorsprung.
She felt isolated and alone after moving to a new city.
Describes a person's feelingSie fühlte sich isoliert und allein, nachdem sie in eine neue Stadt gezogen war.
The community was geographically isolated, making access difficult.
Describes a communityDie Gemeinde war geografisch isoliert, was den Zugang erschwerte.
His radical views led to him becoming increasingly isolated from his colleagues.
Describes a person's social stateSeine radikalen Ansichten führten dazu, dass er zunehmend von seinen Kollegen isoliert wurde.
An isolated incident of vandalism does not represent the whole town.
Describes an eventEin isolierter Fall von Vandalismus repräsentiert nicht die ganze Stadt.
Colocações comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
'Isolated' emphasizes separation, often with a sense of being cut off or lonely, while 'solitary' simply means being alone, without necessarily implying negative feelings. A hermit might choose a solitary life, but not necessarily feel isolated.
'Isolated' is a broader term for being alone or separate. 'Sequestered' specifically implies being set apart or hidden away, often for a particular purpose like privacy or protection. A jury might be sequestered, while an island can be isolated.
'Isolated' suggests a state of being set apart from others, often with a feeling of loneliness or disconnection. 'Alone' simply means being without others, which can be a chosen state and doesn't always carry negative connotations. You can choose to be alone, but isolation is often imposed or felt as a negative state.
'Isolated' describes being separate or cut off, applicable to places, people, or feelings. 'Remote' primarily refers to a place being far away from others, implying distance. An isolated village can be remote, but a person can feel isolated in a crowd without being remote.
'Isolated' means being alone or separate. 'Desolate' describes a place that is barren, uninhabited, and often gives a feeling of bleakness or sadness. An isolated cabin might be cozy, but a desolate landscape is typically stark and empty.
Padrões gramaticais
How to Use It
Notas de uso
The word 'isolated' can be used as an adjective or a verb (in its past participle form) and describes a state of being separate, cut off, or alone. When describing a place, it implies remoteness or inaccessibility, e.g., 'an isolated cabin in the mountains.' For a person, it suggests a lack of social contact, either by choice or circumstance, e.g., 'She felt isolated after moving to a new city.' It can also refer to a feeling, indicating emotional detachment or disconnect, e.g., 'He had an isolated feeling despite being in a crowd.' As a verb, 'to isolate' means to cause someone or something to be alone or apart, e.g., 'The doctors isolated the patient with the contagious disease.' It's important to differentiate 'isolated' from 'lonely'; while often related, one can be isolated without feeling lonely, and vice-versa. 'Isolated' focuses on the physical or social separation, whereas 'lonely' refers to the emotional distress caused by a lack of companionship. The intensity can vary, from slightly removed to completely cut off. Context is crucial for understanding the specific nuance.
Erros comuns
People often confuse 'isolated' with 'lonely'. While an isolated person might feel lonely, 'isolated' refers to the state of being separate or set apart, whereas 'lonely' describes the feeling of sadness due to being alone. Another mistake is using 'isolated' when 'insulted' is intended, due to similar sounds. Always double-check the context to ensure the correct word is used. Additionally, some might mistakenly use 'isolated' to describe someone who is simply introverted; being introverted means preferring solitary activities, but doesn't necessarily mean being cut off from others. Finally, ensure proper grammar; for instance, 'I felt isolated' is correct, not 'I felt isolating'.
Tips
Synonyms
alone, solitary, secluded, separate, remote, detached, insular, cloistered, quarantined, lonely
Antonyms
connected, integrated, included, communal, social, combined, joined, associated, populated, bustling
Usage in sentences
The old lighthouse stood **isolated** on a rocky outcrop. She felt **isolated** and alone in the new city. The **isolated** community relied on its own resources. The virus spread rapidly due to **isolated** cases not being reported.
Origem da palavra
From French 'isolé', from Italian 'isolato', from Latin 'insulatus', past participle of 'insulare' meaning 'to make into an island', from 'insula' (island). The English word 'isolated' emerged in the early 17th century.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'isolation' carries significant weight across various cultures. In Western societies, particularly those emphasizing individualism, 'isolated' can have negative connotations, often associated with loneliness, social exclusion, or even punishment. There's a strong cultural emphasis on connection and community, making isolation undesirable. However, in some contexts, such as seeking spiritual enlightenment or artistic inspiration, 'voluntary isolation' can be seen positively as a means of deep reflection or focused creation. In contrast, certain Eastern philosophies, like some forms of Buddhism, might view solitude or detachment (which shares some characteristics with isolation) not as negative, but as a path to inner peace or self-discovery, distinct from the Western emphasis on social integration. The impact of urbanization and modern technology also influences cultural perceptions, with some experiencing 'digital isolation' despite constant connectivity. Therefore, the cultural interpretation of 'isolated' is highly nuanced, varying based on societal values, philosophical underpinnings, and individual circumstances.
Dica de memorização
Visualize an 'island-lated' person, completely alone on an island, to remember 'isolated'.
Teste-se
The old lighthouse stood ________ on a rocky outcrop, far from any other buildings.
After moving to a new city, she felt very ________ and longed for her friends.
The small village was ________ by heavy snow, making it impossible to leave.
Pontuação: /3
Synonyms
alone, solitary, secluded, separate, remote, detached, insular, cloistered, quarantined, lonely
Antonyms
connected, integrated, included, communal, social, combined, joined, associated, populated, bustling
Usage in sentences
The old lighthouse stood **isolated** on a rocky outcrop. She felt **isolated** and alone in the new city. The **isolated** community relied on its own resources. The virus spread rapidly due to **isolated** cases not being reported.
Exemplos
5 de 5The old lighthouse stood isolated on a rocky outcrop.
Das alte Leuchtturm stand isoliert auf einem felsigen Vorsprung.
She felt isolated and alone after moving to a new city.
Sie fühlte sich isoliert und allein, nachdem sie in eine neue Stadt gezogen war.
The community was geographically isolated, making access difficult.
Die Gemeinde war geografisch isoliert, was den Zugang erschwerte.
His radical views led to him becoming increasingly isolated from his colleagues.
Seine radikalen Ansichten führten dazu, dass er zunehmend von seinen Kollegen isoliert wurde.
An isolated incident of vandalism does not represent the whole town.
Ein isolierter Fall von Vandalismus repräsentiert nicht die ganze Stadt.
