onlyhood en · NOUN
Etymology
From Middle English *onlihod, (attested only as onlyhede, onlihed, onlihede), equivalent to only + -hood.
Meanings
-
(uncountable) the condition of being unique, single, or alone
For artists their work objectifies their yearning for love, "thatched" as we all are "in a thicket of loneliness, huddled in onlyhood."
1963, The Critic - Volume 21, Issue 4:Despite the stereotype of an only child who is selfish, spoiled, and lonely, the positive effects of onlyhood may be stronger than the negative.
1985, American Demographics - Volume 7:“The anthology encapsulates the complexities of onlyhood... in a way that makes this a great read, even for people who didn't grow up with a plethora of imaginary friends to keep them company...[…]
2008, Deborah Siegel, Daphne Uviller, Only Child:“But now lots of Zachary's friends are only children. The social stigma once attached to onlyhood is gone."
1989, Cosmopolitan - Volume 207:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| onlihood | alternative | lexicographic |
Synonyms
distinctiveness · isolation · solitariness · uniquity · seclusion · oneship · loneness · uniquity · aloneness · aloneness · onliness · onliness · unicity · uniqueness · onlyhood · onlyhood · solitude · onehead · onliness · loneliness