Solitary VERSUS lonely

[Jamal]

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #114 "Synonyms for solitary and single", question 10

For the first time Jason thoroughly enjoyed his ......... dinner.

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

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #114 "Synonyms for solitary and single", answer 10

For the first time Jason thoroughly enjoyed his solitary dinner.

Correct answer: (b) solitary

Your answer was: incorrect
For the first time Jason thoroughly enjoyed his lonely dinner.
_________________________

why ist is solitary and not lonely, please?

Jamal

[Mister Micawber]

.
Jason enjoyed his dinner, which means that he wished to be alone. Solitary merely means without another person; lonely and lonesome means that the person feels sad at the lack of companionship.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[Nghung]