Definition of lone

The origin of the word "lone" can be traced back to the Middle English word "lon," which means "empty, desolate, or uninhabited," according to the Oxford English Dictionary. This word, in turn, can be traced back to the Old English word "lanu," which has the same meanings. Over time, the use of the word "lon" evolved, and it began to be used to refer to someone who is isolated or who has no companions, as in "lonely." This sense of the word is first recorded in the mid-14th century, as noted by the OED. The spelling of the word was simplified in the 16th century, and "lon" became "lone." The use of "lone" in the sense of "isolated" or "solitary" became common in the 19th century. In summary, the word "lone" originated from the Middle English word "lon" meaning "empty" or "uninhabited," which evolved over time to come to signify "isolation" or "solitude."