WordGarden.iosolo
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈəʊləʊ/
US
- /ˈsoʊˌloʊ/
Meanings
Adjective
done alone or by one person
Noun
a performance or passage done by one performer
Adverb
without companions, a partner, or assistance
Beyond the definition
"Solo" means doing something alone or done by one person. A musician might play a "solo" in a song, taking a part that is performed alone. A traveler might take a "solo" trip, enjoying the experience of exploring on their own. It can also describe everyday actions, like working solo on a project or going for a solo walk. The idea is simple: one person, acting or performing without others.
The word comes from Italian, meaning "alone," and it is very common in music. But it is not only a music word. A detective might work a case solo, or a student might live solo for the first time.
"Solo" describes doing something alone or done by one person. It can be used as an adjective, an adverb, or a noun, depending on the sentence. For example, someone can travel solo, work solo, or perform a solo. In each case, the central idea is the same: one person acts without partners, teammates, or companions.
The word is especially common in music. A solo can be a part of a song or performance done by one singer or one musician. A guitar solo, a piano solo, or a vocal solo all highlight a single performer for a short time. In this sense, the word can name the performance itself.
Outside music, "solo" is used for many situations in daily life. A person can take a solo trip, run a business solo, study solo, or live solo. It often suggests independence, but it does not always mean the person wants to be alone forever. Sometimes it only describes how the action is done at that moment.
In some contexts, "solo" can also suggest skill or confidence. A pilot's first solo flight, for example, is an important moment because it means the pilot can fly without an instructor beside them. In other cases, the word is neutral and simply means "alone."
So, whether it refers to a musical moment, a trip, a job, or a personal choice, "solo" usually points to one person doing something alone.
Examples
- 1
Travel
She took a solo trip to Italy after graduation.
- 2
Work shift
I'm covering the front desk solo this morning.
- 3
Music performance
The guitarist played a short solo before the last chorus.
- 4
Career change
After ten years with the band, she decided to go solo.
- Phrasego solo
start working or performing alone, not as part of a group
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Music release
He released his first solo album last year.
- 6
Pilot training
This was the pilot's first solo flight at night.
- Domainsolo flight
a flight with no instructor or other pilot on board
See also
Similar
- alone
- unaccompanied
- single-handed
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- solo artist
- solo career
- solo trip
- fly solo
Word family
Explore
- self-reliance
- ensemble
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- solonounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- solospluralnounverbadjective
- solipluralnounverbadjective
- soloing-ing formverbnounadjective
- soloedpast tenseverbnounadjective