English

Adjective

reclusive ‎(comparative more reclusive, superlative most reclusive)

1. Of, characterized by, or preferring privacy and isolation; secluded.
   • 2011 December 19, Kerry Brown, “Kim Jong-il obituary”, in The Guardian:

     Kim Jong-il, who has died aged 69, was the general secretary of the Workers party of Korea, and head of the military in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). He was one of the most reclusive and widely condemned national leaders of the late 20th and early 21st century, leaving his country diplomatically isolated, economically broken and divided from South Korea.

   • 1600, William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

     And if it sort not well, you may conceal her,

     As best befits her wounded reputation,

     In some reclusive and religious life,

     Out of all eyes, tongues, minds and injuries.

Synonyms

• hermit-like
• withdrawn

Related terms

• recluse
• reclusively
• reclusiveness

Translations