Sole

/soʊl/ adjective

Definition

If something is your sole thing, it is the only one you have or the only one that exists. It emphasizes that there are no others involved.

Etymology

From Middle English, from Old French *soul* or *seul*, from Latin *solus* meaning “alone, only.” This Latin root also shows up in words like *solo* and *solitude*.

Kelly Says

The word *sole* is a cousin of *solo* and *solitude*—they’re all about being alone or only one. It’s like English kept reusing the same ancient idea of “just one” in slightly different costumes.

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