Lonesome vs. alone

[Alena]

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #114 "Synonyms for solitary and single", question 4

It was the cry of the baby next door that made her feel even more ......... and depressed.

(a) single
(b) alone
(c) lonesome
(d) solitary

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #114 "Synonyms for solitary and single", answer 4

It was the cry of the baby next door that made her feel even more lonesome and depressed.

Correct answer: (c) lonesome

Your answer was: incorrect
It was the cry of the baby next door that made her feel even more alone and depressed.
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Can you explain me the difference between'lonesome' and 'alone',please? Their meanings are so close.

Alena

[Alan]

Hi Alena,

Alone is really stating a fact; if you are alone in your house, it simply means that there is no-one else there at the time. If you are lonesome in your house it means both that you are alone and also it suggests that you are unhappy about being on your own/alone.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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