alone vs lonesome

[Mr Replie]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #69 "Synonyms for lonely and alone", question 10

Mr Redding didn't like to be ......... at meals.

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

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #69 "Synonyms for lonely and alone", answer 10

Mr Redding didn't like to be alone at meals.

Correct answer: (c) alone

Your answer was: incorrect
Mr Redding didn't like to be lonesome at meals.
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why can't I use lonesome?

please explain it to me

thanks very much!
Mr Replie

[Mister Micawber]

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It's not logically that someone would be lonesome only at meals. Loneliness is an affliction that we cannot so easily control.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's