Alone vs. Lonely 

"Alone" vs. "Lonely" In English

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both are adjectives. However, 'alone' describes someone who chooses to not be in the company of others, whereas, 'lonely' refers to feeling no one loves you or wants to be with you.

Differences

When someone is 'alone', they are not in the company of others and they enjoy it. However, 'loneliness' is a feeling. When someone feels no one ever loves them or wants to spend time with them, they feel lonely. Look at the examples below:

Example

I feel lonely.

Leave me alone, will ya?

Similarities

Both are adjectives. Check out the examples below:

Example

Wednesday wants be alone right now.

Being alone doesn't mean you're lonely.

Are They Interchangeable?

Being 'alone' is a choice, whereas, feeling 'lonely' is an emotional state. So, they cannot be used interchangeably. Compare:

Example

✓ I chose to be alone for some time. I'm grateful for it.

X I chose to be lonely for some time. I'm grateful for it.

One can never choose to feel lonely.

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