Anchorite emphasizes a purposeful and spiritual choice of living in isolation for meditation.

Religious Solitude

Anchorite often refers to historical or traditional religious figures, less to modern ones.

Historical Context

Unlike hermits, anchorites may live in society's proximity, dedicating themselves to introspection.

Nowadays, anchorite can describe someone who prefers to avoid social interactions.

Modern usage implies a lifestyle choice rather than a religious one.

Sometimes being an anchorite is circumstantial, not always by choice.