Meaning:
Preferring to be alone or avoiding social contact

Explanation:
A reclusive person often shuns social interactions and enjoys spending time by themselves, often finding it necessary to recharge or focus on their private thoughts and pursuits. Reclusiveness is distinct from solitude, which simply refers to the state of being alone but doesn't imply a persistent avoidance of social interactions.

History:
The term 'reclusive' has its roots in the 15th-century word 'recluse,' which referred to a person who secluded themselves from the world. Historically, recluses could retreat to hermitages or other secluded settings for devotion or escape. The adjective 'reclusive' later evolved from this term to describe the preference or behavior of spending much time alone.