Lonly or Lonely: The Correct Spellings
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Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on February 2, 2024
Lonly is incorrect; the correct spelling is lonely, meaning sad because of being alone.
![Lonly or Lonely](/images/lonly-or-lonely-223.webp)
Which is correct: Lonly or Lonely
How to spell Lonely?
Lonly
Lonly
![](/assets/images/incorrect.webp)
Lonely
Lonely
![](/assets/images/correct.webp)
Is it Lonly or Lonely
To spell 'lonely' correctly, remember that it contains the word 'one', which can remind you that it is about being on your own. Think of the phrase “one and only” to help you remember the 'one' in 'lonely'.
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Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
As for other forms of the word, 'lonely' can be an adjective, as in "a lonely man," or an adverb, as in "lonely wandering." There's also the noun form 'loneliness', describing the state of being lonely.
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Tony
Feb 02, 2024
The correct spelling is 'lonely', not 'lonly'. 'Lonely' describes a feeling of sadness due to lack of company, while 'lonly' is simply a common misspelling and holds no meaning in English.
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Muazma Batool
Feb 02, 2024
A simple trick to remember 'lonely' is to think of it as a combination of 'alone' with a 'y', or as "one" person who is "ly"ing by themselves, which captures the essence of its meaning.
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Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
There is no distinct historical account for the word 'lonely' apart from its etymological roots, which can be traced back to the Old English word 'lan', meaning 'alone', and the suffix 'ly', which is used to form adjectives. The term 'lonely' began to carry its current meaning in the late 16th century.
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Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
How Do You Spell Lonely Correctly?
Incorrect: A lonly figure stood at the pier, staring out at the sea.
Correct: A lonely figure stood at the pier, staring out at the sea.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Incorrect: The lonly road stretched out for miles with no one in sight.
Correct: The lonely road stretched out for miles with no one in sight.
![](/avatar/b66c085e555ad7bf5cde484a3837ced5.webp?s=32)
Daniel
Feb 02, 2024
Incorrect: She felt very lonly in the large, empty house.
Correct: She felt very lonely in the large, empty house.
![](/avatar/1f071271193140141f3a799a6cfa5f8e.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Feb 02, 2024
Incorrect: The lonly wolf howls at the moon.
Correct: The lonely wolf howls at the moon.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Incorrect: He sat lonly at the lunch table, wishing for a friend.
Correct: He sat lonely at the lunch table, wishing for a friend.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Lonely Definitions
Not frequently visited or populated.
He took a lonely path through the forest.
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Muneeza Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
Without companionship or support.
The queen was lonely without her advisers.
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Muneeza Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
Lonely Meaning in a Sentence
Without a pet, the house felt lonely and quiet.
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Emilio
Feb 02, 2024
The sound of the lonely train whistle in the night was haunting.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
The older man looked lonely sitting by himself at the diner.
![](/avatar/326964e5b46570db51a5e4527caab403.webp?s=32)
Jack
Feb 02, 2024
He took long, lonely walks on the beach to clear his mind.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Being a foreigner in a new country can be a lonely experience.
![](/avatar/b66c085e555ad7bf5cde484a3837ced5.webp?s=32)
Daniel
Feb 02, 2024
Her eyes had a lonely depth to them, like she carried a secret sorrow.
![](/avatar/53f705c105c85ed53c8208d7153630ac.webp?s=32)
Emilio
Feb 02, 2024
After the party ended, the balloons left behind looked so lonely in the empty room.
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Carlos
Feb 02, 2024
It's a lonely feeling when you realize you don't fit in with the crowd.
![](/avatar/e5e6349df7b3e7084ca7440fbf1d2964.webp?s=32)
Tony
Feb 02, 2024
The nights are lonely without you here.
![](/avatar/1f071271193140141f3a799a6cfa5f8e.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Feb 02, 2024
A single tree stood lonely at the top of the hill, its branches reaching out.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Lonely Idioms
The lonely hour
A time of feeling alone or isolated.
Midnight is often referred to as the lonely hour.
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Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Lonely soldier
Someone who is alone in their opinions or efforts.
He was a lonely soldier in the fight against corruption.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Keep lonely vigil
To watch or wait alone.
She kept a lonely vigil by the window for his return.
![](/avatar/b66c085e555ad7bf5cde484a3837ced5.webp?s=32)
Daniel
Feb 02, 2024
Lonely at the top
It can be isolating to have a high position or great success.
As a CEO, he found that it's lonely at the top.
![](/avatar/1f071271193140141f3a799a6cfa5f8e.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Feb 02, 2024
A lonely heart
Someone seeking companionship, often romantic.
The advertisement was placed by a lonely heart looking for love.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Lonely road
A path in life where one feels alone.
Choosing to follow his dreams, he walked a lonely road.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Lonely in a crowd
To feel alone even when surrounded by people.
Despite the party's energy, she felt lonely in a crowd.
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Stefan
Feb 02, 2024
Lonely as a cloud
Feeling very alone or isolated.
She walked through the deserted park, lonely as a cloud.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
One's lonely lonesome
Feeling lonely or desolate.
He sat at the bar, his lonely lonesome apparent to all.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
The first lonely mile
The initial stage of a journey or experience that feels lonely.
Starting college was the first lonely mile of her educational journey.
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Emerson
Feb 02, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of speech is 'lonely'?
'Lonely' is most commonly used as an adjective but can also be an adverb when it describes an action done in a way that feels alone.
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Muazma Batool
Feb 02, 2024
Is there a historical origin of 'lonely'?
'Lonely' comes from the combination of 'alone' and the suffix 'ly', and it has been in use since at least the 16th century.
![](/avatar/b66c085e555ad7bf5cde484a3837ced5.webp?s=32)
Daniel
Feb 02, 2024
How can I remember the spelling of 'lonely'?
Remember that 'lonely' contains the word 'one', which can remind you of being alone, which is what the word describes.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Is 'lonely' used in any popular sayings or expressions?
Yes, one popular saying is "It's lonely at the top," referring to the isolation that often accompanies success.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Can lonely be used to describe something other than a person?
Yes, 'lonely' can describe places, objects, or feelings that convey isolation or solitude.
![](/avatar/326964e5b46570db51a5e4527caab403.webp?s=32)
Jack
Feb 02, 2024
Does the meaning of 'lonely' change when used as an adverb?
When used as an adverb, 'lonely' still conveys a sense of solitude but describes the manner in which an action is carried out.
![](/avatar/10cedd6e8bbeaeee4d5105dfb253792d.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 02, 2024
Can 'lonely' describe a positive situation?
While 'lonely' typically has a negative connotation, some people may describe moments of solitude as 'lonely' in a peaceful, contemplative sense.
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Daniel
Feb 02, 2024
Content Creators
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Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Spellings wiki, Muneeza stands as a beacon of accuracy and precision, championing the importance of correct spellings in the written word.
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Edited by
Muazma BatoolMuazma is a dedicated writer for Spellings.Wiki. Passionate about the intricacies of English spellings and etymology, she simplifies complex language elements for her global audience. Beyond her work, Muazma stays updated on language trends by participating in workshops and conferences. An avid reader and traveler, she enjoys exploring cultures and languages during her leisure time.