Loneliest

/ˈloʊnliest/ adjective

Definition

The most isolated or solitary; feeling the deepest sense of disconnection or lack of companionship.

Etymology

From 'lone' (alone) plus '-ly' (making it an adjective) plus '-est' (superlative form). 'Lone' comes from Middle English 'lone,' a shortening of 'alone' (all one). The '-est' suffix marks this as the extreme form.

Kelly Says

Researchers found that loneliness is measurable in the brain—it's not just a feeling but a distinct neurological state, like hunger. The loneliest people often have the most shallow social connections, not no connections at all.

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