Basic Details
Word: Hermit
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who lives alone, often for religious reasons or in a secluded place.
Synonyms: Recluse, solitarist, ascetic
Antonyms: Socialite, extrovert
Idioms and Phrases
- Hermit crab: Refers to someone who is shy or prefers to keep to themselves, yet has the ability to adapt. Example: "Though she seemed like a hermit crab in new situations, she quickly warmed to her classmates."
- Live like a hermit: To live very privately or quietly, away from social activities. Example: "Since moving to the countryside, she decided to live like a hermit, enjoying the peace and quiet."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The old man was known as a hermit, living in a small cabin far from the bustling town.
Example 2: Many writers go into the mountains like hermits to focus on their work without distractions.
Example 3: Eager for solitude, the hermit spent years meditating in the forest, seeking peace and clarity.
Fun Fact
The word "hermit" comes from the Greek word "eremites," which means "of the desert." Many early hermits lived in the deserts of Egypt and Syria to escape society and focus on their spiritual lives.
Famous Quote
"The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself." - Michel de Montaigne
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "hermit" mean?
a) A person who loves parties
b) A person who lives alone
c) A type of animal
d) A famous musician
Answer: b) A person who lives alone
2. Which of these is a synonym of "hermit"?
a) Recluse
b) Chef
c) Teacher
d) Artist
Answer: a) Recluse
3. Which is an antonym of "hermit"?
a) Recluse
b) Socialite
c) Ascetic
d) Solitarist
Answer: b) Socialite
4. Which sentence uses "hermit" correctly?
a) The hermit rode his bike every day.
b) The hermit enjoyed his solitude in the quiet forest.
c) The hermit played soccer with friends.
d) The hermit baked cakes for everyone.
Answer: b) The hermit enjoyed his solitude in the quiet forest.
5. Which idiom means living quietly and away from social activities?
a) Hermit crab
b) Social butterfly
c) In a pickle
d) Running around like a headless chicken
Answer: a) Hermit crab
