Nanako
"a private person" vs "a loner" Hello everyone, Could someone please tell me if there is any difference between "a private person" and "a loner"? 1. She is a private person. 2. She is a loner. Also I would like to know how the two sentences sound like, neutral or negative. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Nanako
2018년 12월 11일 오전 2:20
답변 · 6
5
Hello Nanako, I am answering based off how the words feel to me as a native US English speaker - not on any textbook definitions. To me, a "private person" is someone who mostly "keeps to themselves". This tends to imply they are quiet and value spending their time alone. While it has a similar meaning, a "loner" sounds more negative. As in someone who does not enjoy being around other people or has a difficult time being with other people. It can also imply that others do not like to be with them, thus forcing them into the status of being a "loner". For example, a private person might enjoy their alone time, but also gets along well with others in situations where they need to be social or choose to be. On the other hand, a loner implies they do not enjoy spending time with others at all or that they, for some reason, cannot. Such as social awkwardness. Either way, it is more polite to describe a person as a "private person" whereas a "loner" sounds more negative. Hope this makes sense.
2018년 12월 11일
1
'A private person' has a respectful connotation, for the most part. As mentioned earlier, a 'loner' definitely has a negative connotation - there is something wrong with them.
2018년 12월 11일
Hi Anni, Thank you so much for your prompt help:)
2018년 12월 11일
private person=it means that you cannot know a lot of information about that person =a person who does not share a lot about their personal lives or personal information loner=it sounds more like a lonely person =sometimes it means a person who is not always in a group, or who does not belong in a group (not included in a group)
2018년 12월 11일
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