1. the state or situation of being alone. "she savoured her few hours of freedom and solitude"

 

If you were to ask me:

 

I would say that the main difference between the two is that:

Loneliness: Is a sense of isolation, this is something more mental, that even persists when a person is surrounded by other people.

Solitude: Is more of a choice to be "physically" alone. Enjoying your own company or just needing some space to think. 

 

“I feel like today is the first day since I left him that I feel lonely

And I never feel lonely, I love being on my own

I always preferred being on my own than being with people”

My Little Love - Adele

 

When I heard her say that in a song it made me think about how you can go from enjoying your own company, feeling empowered by solitude, to suddenly realising that loneliness has crept in.

This shift happens when the solitude you once embraced starts to feel like isolation.

In her case she might've loved being on her own, but after leaving someone significant, that solitude can start feeling less like a choice and more like a circumstance.

There’s the difference between wanting to be alone and feeling like you're alone.

 

A few more lyrics mentioning this topic: 

 

“Only thing worse than being alone is wishin' you were”

Replace Me - Nas

 

“I’m not lonely, I'm alone…

Nobody completes me, don't mess with my love”

Holy - Jamila Woods

 

Don't want to go too deep but:

 

It's important to recognise that it's okay to feel lonely sometimes, even if you're someone who typically thrives in solitude. It doesn't mean you're weak or too dependent, it just means you're human. 

 

And in those moments, it's crucial to reach out, connect, and remind yourself that solitude should serve you, not the other way around.