Lonely and alone are two related but distinct terms when describing a person's state of being. Here are the differences between the two, along with examples:

Alone: 
Alone refers to a physical state of being by oneself, without the presence of others. It focuses on the absence of people or companionship.
Example:
"I enjoyed a peaceful evening alone at home, reading a book."

Being alone can be a deliberate choice and does not necessarily imply feelings of loneliness. Some people appreciate and seek out alone time for relaxation or to engage in solitary activities.

Lonely: 
Lonely pertains to an emotional state of feeling isolated, disconnected, or experiencing a sense of emptiness due to a lack of companionship, emotional support, or meaningful social interaction.
Example: "After moving to a new city, I felt lonely because I didn't know anyone and missed my friends from back home."
Loneliness is an emotional response and can occur even when one is not physically alone. It is a subjective feeling and can be distressing, often leading to a desire for social connection or meaningful relationships.

In summary, "alone" relates to physical presence or absence of others, while "lonely" describes an emotional state of feeling isolated or disconnected from meaningful social interaction. You can be alone without feeling lonely, such as when enjoying solitude, and you can also feel lonely in the presence of others if you lack a sense of emotional connection or companionship.