Lonesome vs single

[nina]

English Synonyms, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #69 "Synonyms for lonely and alone", question 5

Marion doesn't see anyone. She leads a ......... life.

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

English Synonyms, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #69 "Synonyms for lonely and alone", answer 5

Marion doesn't see anyone. She leads a lonesome life.

Correct answer: (b) lonesome

Your answer was: incorrect
Marion doesn't see anyone. She leads a single life.
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I have confused between "lonesome" and "single" in this sentence. Please explain to me.

[Daniela]

The adjective “lonesome” means dejected because of a lack of companionship, lonely in feeling, depressed by solitude or by a sense of being alone. It is stronger in meaning than lonely because it implies dreariness. It has an emotional colouring.
The adjective “single” means not accompanied by another or others, which stands by itself; that is not accompanied, combined or united with another, that is one only. It has no emotional colouring.

"Lonesome life" means an unhappy, sad life, with no one around.
"Single life" cannot be used as a combination because it would mean "one life". But you can say "a single room", which is a room for one person only. If you say that you are single, it means that you are not married, etc.
Hope this helps!
Daniela

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[Alan]

Hi Nina,

The similarity between the two adjectives is that they both refer to being one. Single simply describes a status as used in a hotel: a single room (in contrast to a double room). It is also used in official language when you talk about income tax for a single person (in contrast to a married person). Again if you travel by train to a place and you are not coming back, you ask for a single ticket (in contrast to a return ticket).

Lonesome describes a state of mind and refers to being one when you really want to be with another person or other people. It suggests you are also unhappy and sad because of this. Do you know the famous pop song by Elvis Presley: Are you lonesome tonight?

Alan
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